The modern workplace is full of potential stumbling blocks which can affect your self-esteem. Many people are bright, breezy and full of confidence in their personal lives, but as soon as they arrive at work any sense of assurance is left at the door.
For the most part, the way people treat you at work is not a true reflection on yourself. Office politics are commonly at play, and for your own self-esteem, it’s more important to stay true to yourself and not compromise your values than to become a sycophant to those superiors who throw their weight around without moral worth.
Reducing the risk of depression
One of the best defences against depression is to maintain a positive sense of self worth. Unfortunately, this is probably easier said than done. We do not operate as islands, and the words and actions of others often have an effect on our mood and self-esteem, no matter how much we try to fight it.
There are plenty of ways your self-esteem can be chipped away at work, if you let it. Often the pace of work is so frenetic that there is little time to acknowledge great work. There are often unrealistic demands on productivity, creating stress and a feeling on inadequacy which will often spill over into your personal life. The problem is then compounded by a lack of sleep and a reduction in the restorative experiences we need.
Maintaining your self-esteem
A sense of humour and remaining positive is crucial to appreciating just how laughable certain work situations can be. Rather than focusing on the negatives and comparing yourself to your colleagues, see the good in the work you do. You were hired on the basis of your unique skill set. So while your desk mate may be a hotshot with clients, perhaps your organisational skills are second to none.
Whilst you may work in an environment where other people’s achievements are rarely acknowledged, that doesn’t stop you giving yourself plenty of praise when it’s deserved. The sense of pride we feel when we have completed a project to the best of our ability is one of the most rewarding feelings we can experience, so make sure you acknowledge it.
Remember, you’re not trapped. You could get up and walk out of there whenever you like. It’s just a job. Your health, family and friends are the most important things in this world. Don’t assume that the grass is always greener, but if a job is destroying your self-esteem the get out of there, quick!
Looking the part
How we feel about the way we look plays a huge part in our self-esteem. For men, hair loss is one factor which can make a previously confident, happy and positive person feel insecure and reclusive, particularly in the workplace where first impressions count and initial judgements are often based on appearance.
There are a number of hair thickening products on the market which can help. Hair fibers provide a reliable and natural looking method of hair thickening which can be simply sprayed onto dry hair in the morning and washed out either at night or the following morning. The strong bonds that form between the fibers and your own hair ensure a secure hair thickening solution which will last all day, providing you with the boost your self-esteem needs.
