Defeating Self Consciousness

Not all of us are naturally self-confident. Some of us see other people and constantly compare ourselves to them, pointing out in our minds all the flaws, real or imagined, we have that they do not. For such people, daily life in public can be a serious struggle. Those who are single or live alone face days that are potentially even more depressing, being without the prospect of the comfort that an intimate companion can provide.

However, there is a way out of this mental prison. This escape will require serious effort, but it is well worth making, because the reward is a less anxious and more fulfilling life. These suggestions will hopefully help you get started in the right direction.

1) Look and feel clean

The problem of excessive self-consciousness is largely a visual one. Self-conscious people are concerned with how others see them, and they will almost always exaggerate their own perceived negatives in their own mind, believing that other people find them repulsive or disgusting because of their looks, weight, or bad sense of style.

It's undoubtedly true that physical appearance makes a big difference when you go into public o r meet new people. However, it is even more important to have confidence, and by grooming yourself well and living in a clean manner , you can bolster your internal sense of self-worth. This, in turn, will affect how you're perceived by others – people will look at you and see a self-respecting man or woman. Cleanliness is easy to achieve and maintain, and it can go a long way towards getting rid of feelings of self-consciousness.

2) Wear nice clothes

Let's make an important distinction here. You don't have to wear expensive clothes. Most people can't afford the latest fashions or the finest suits available. However, you can wear clothes that are simple and clean. Though it may seem shallow, the kind of clothes you put on in the morning can affect both how you see yourself and how others see you.

Even if you're unemployed or you have little money , make an effort to dress well when you go outside. Don't just throw on the first thing you pull out of the closet. A t-shirt and shorts are great for the gym or yardwork, but if you're meeting people or taking part in any kind of social activity, put on something nice. You don't have to go formal; a respectable, casual look is enough to make a difference in how you see yourself and, consequently, in how others see you.

3) Put on music

If you're having a hard time getting over your self-consciousness, try putting on music when you go out. Playing music on an MP3 player with earplugs or headphones on will have the effect of "blocking out" the outside world, at least to a certain extent. Listening to music you enjoy while you are out should also help you relax. It might even distract you from the typical self-conscious thoughts that come with being seen in public.

4) Seek professional advice

If all else fails, seek out psychological or psychiatric help. Crippling self-consciousness is a severe problem if it significantly hinders you in your everyday life. Many of the issues associated with self-consciousness can be taken care of on one's own, but more serious problems should be left to the care of professionals who are qualified to address them.

Most importantly, remember that self-consciousness is a state of mind. While physical appearance does play a large part in how you think of yourself, the problem is ultimately one of mindset. If you can achieve a change in your mindset by following some of the above suggestions, you should be well on your way to a happier, healthier, and more productive life.