Awesomely Simple Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem

Why is good self-esteem important?

Good self-esteem is important for everyone because it helps you keep a positive outlook on life and makes you feel proud of the person you are, both inside and out. Most teens with good self-esteem find life much more enjoyable. They tend to have better relationships with peers and adults, find it easier to deal with mistakes or disappointments, and are more likely to stick with a task until they succeed.

Good self-esteem gives you the:

• Courage to try new things
• Power to believe in yourself
• Confidence to make healthy choices for your mind and body now and throughout your life

Treating yourself with respect and realizing that every part of you is worth caring for and protecting will help you keep a healthy attitude towards yourself. Building good self-esteem can take a long time and is not always easy, but knowing that you can improve your self-esteem is the first step.

Is there anything I can do if my self-esteem is low?

Yes! If you feel frustrated or too annoyed or upset to talk, try going for a walk or a run, listen to music, or do a favorite activity with someone you enjoy being with. Sometimes expressing how you feel can actually be more helpful than keeping feelings to yourself. Talk with a close friend or relative who you trust and who can offer encouragement and support. It can also be comforting to talk with other teens that may be going through similar experiences. Remember, everyone has felt badly about themselves at some point in time!

If you’re feeling very sad and discouraged most of the time, and can’t seem to find ways to feel better about yourself, it’s important to contact your health care provider or counselor. They can help you to find ways to cope.

What can I do to build self-confidence in the way I look?

There are many ways to help boost self-confidence such as finding a flattering outfit to wear, getting a new hairstyle, or simply eating nutritious foods and exercising. One of the best ways to feel good about your body is to work on having a healthy one! You may not always have control over your appearance, but you do have the power to keep a positive attitude towards yourself.

What are some ways to keep a positive attitude?

A positive attitude can come by defining an identity for yourself that is not based on looks or negative things other people may say.

You can develop good self-esteem and keep a positive attitude by:

• Focusing on the good things you do and spending time concentrating on your unique qualities.
• Focusing on your education: Learning gives you the power to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others.
• Participating in a variety of sports or activities: This can be a great way to stay healthy and fit, which adds to a positive body image.
• Taking up a new hobby or learning to play an instrument: Have you ever wanted to play the guitar? Maybe you want to learn how to play chess. Take time to find your hidden talents!
• Setting and reaching new goals: Having something to look forward to can give you a sense of pride and help you work through different challenges throughout your life.
• Being an inspiration to others: If you thought of your own ways to cope with social situations and find confidence, you may find it rewarding to share advice and offer encouragement to others.

Building a healthy body image and good self-esteem can be hard work because it takes time to become confident. As you work to improve your body image, you will experience self-acceptance and learn to recognize the qualities, skills, and talents that make you special.