Helping Yourself
Be Kind to Yourself
Stop the Negative Self-Talk
Stop the Negative Self-Talk
- Being nice to yourself makes a huge difference. When you mess up (which happens to everyone), don't be so hard on yourself. If you treat yourself with kindness, you’ll feel way better about things.
- Next time you mess up, don’t call yourself names or get down on yourself. Treat yourself like you would your best friend—remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes.
Stop the Negative Self-Talk
Stop the Negative Self-Talk
Stop the Negative Self-Talk
- Constantly telling yourself you're not good enough only makes things worse. Changing negative thoughts can really help you feel more confident.
- When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m terrible at this,” pause and ask, “Is that true? What’s the actual evidence?” Try flipping the thought to something more positive, like “I’m still learning.”
Set Small, Realistic Goals
Stop the Negative Self-Talk
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
- Crushing small goals makes you feel accomplishedand boosts your self-worth. When you set achievable goals and complete them, you’ll see just how capable you are.
- Pick a goal that’s realistic—maybe it’s finishing an essay on time or practicing a hobby for 20 minutes. When you achieve it, take a moment to feel proud!
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
- Comparing yourself to others, especially on social media, just messes with your head. It’s easy to forget that people usually post only their best moments, and we all have our own pace.
- When you’re scrolling through Insta or TikTok, remind yourself that most people are only posting the highlights. Focus on your own life and progress instead of comparing.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
- Hanging out with people who lift you up helps you feel better about yourself. Good friends and family who support you are essential to boosting your self-esteem.
- Spend more time with people who make you feel good and less with those who bring you down. If someone’s always negative or makes you feel bad, it might be time to reconsider that friendship.
Recognize Your Strengths
- Focusing on your strengths helps you see how awesome you actually are. Recognizing what you're good at can make you feel more confident.
- Write down at least five things you’re good at, whether it’s playing an instrument, helping others, or being creative. You’re better than you think, and reminding yourself of that helps!
Take Care of Your Body
Get Professional Help if You Need It
Get Professional Help if You Need It
- Physical health is linked to mental health. Taking care of yourself—eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep—can make you feel better inside and out.
- Try to get some exercise, even if it’s just a walk or dance session. Sleep well, and make sure you’re eating foods that fuel your body (yes, that means veggies!).
Get Professional Help if You Need It
Get Professional Help if You Need It
Get Professional Help if You Need It
- Why it helps: If you’re really struggling with self-esteem, talking to a therapist can help. They can teach you how to handle your feelings and improve how you see yourself.
- How to do it: If you feel like you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist. They’re trained to help with exactly what you’re going through, and it can really make a difference.
Practice Gratitude
Get Professional Help if You Need It
Practice Gratitude
- Focusing on what you’re grateful for shifts your mind from what you don’t have to what you do. It helps you stay positive and see all the good things in your life.
- Every night, write down three things you’re grateful for, whether it’s a good friend, a nice sunset, or a funny meme. It’ll help you focus on the good stuff in your life.
Do Things You Love
Do Things You Love
Practice Gratitude
- Doing things that make you happy boosts your mood and confidence. Whether it’s a hobby, a sport, or hanging out with friends, it’s important to make time for things that bring you joy.
- Whether it’s drawing, gaming, hiking, or just hanging out with friends, make sure to make time for activities that bring you joy. You deserve it!