A boy wearing a black jacket is smiling with his arm over his friend's shoulder. They are sitting in a park and smiling at each other.

Six ways you can boost your self-esteem

3 min read
18 January 2019

Topics mentioned: self-esteem, self-care, social media

Author: Tara

About: If you're struggling with low self-esteem, you are not alone. Tara shares six ways to help boost your self-esteem and look after your wellbeing.

By doing something you love, you give yourself the opportunity to be proud of what you’ve achieved and enjoy how happy it makes you feel.

Self-esteem and how you feel about yourself is something that can constantly go up and down, but there are things you can do to help. Below are my top tips for boosting your self-esteem.

Do something you love

It's easy to focus on things you don’t like about yourself, but by doing something you love, you give yourself the opportunity to be proud of what you’ve achieved and enjoy how happy it makes you feel.

For example, if you like cooking, then enjoy the process of making the food, be proud of the finished product and then enjoy the pleasure of eating it!

Keep a diary of the positives

There’s always something good that happens in the day, even if it’s small like someone laughing at your bad joke! Keep note of the happy times, and then when you’re feeling not so good about yourself, read through it and be reminded of all the things you can do and how amazing you are!

If you scroll through Instagram and find that celebrity accounts are making you feel worse about yourself, then unfollow!

Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself

If you scroll through Instagram and find that celebrity accounts are making you feel worse about yourself, then unfollow! Keep social media as something you can enjoy and get a positive experience from. What are you gaining from feeling bad about yourself due to looking at a stranger’s life?

Read our advice on cleaning up your social media feed

Exercise - when you want to

It’s a well-known fact that this releases endorphins and relieves stress, but you need to do it because you want to. Forcing yourself through intense exercise that you hate isn’t going to improve your mood or self-esteem, so try different workouts until you find something you love. Whether it's walking, team sports, dancing or yoga classes, you’ll gain the benefits of exercise, as well as being proud of yourself for finding a new hobby!

Set mini goals

Try breaking your goals up into small challenges that can be celebrated. For example, if you are learning to cook, celebrate learning a new recipe each week. You’ll be more successful in completing it as it’s more surmountable, and you’ll enjoy it more and feel proud of everything you’re accomplishing.

Always remember you are you and your individuality and personality is what makes you special.

Compliment others

A super easy way to feel better about yourself is to make someone else smile! By knowing you’ve made someone else happy, you can take pleasure in the kindness you’re showing as a person, and how it feels to make someone else’s day.

Always remember you are you and your individuality and personality is what makes you special and is one of the many reasons you are loved!

Where to get help

If you are struggling with your self-esteem, we have lots of information and advice that can really help.

Where to get help

  • Childline

    If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

    Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.

    Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

    Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

    Opening times:
    24/7
  • The Mix

    Free, short-term online counselling for young people aged 25 or under. Their website also provides lots of information and advice about mental health and wellbeing. 

    Email support is available via their online contact form.

    They have a free 1-2-1 webchat service available during opening hours.

    Opening times:
    4pm - 11pm, Monday - Friday
  • Tellmi

    Formerly known as MeeToo. A free app for teenagers (11+) providing resources and a fully-moderated community where you can share your problems, get support and help other people too.

    Can be downloaded from Google Play or App Store.

Thanks for sharing your story Tara

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