Being a teenager is difficult, especially in the age of digitalisation. While social media gives infinite exploration and learning opportunities; it is a double-edged sword. Social media portrays only one side of the coin. With celebrities and influencers using it to showcase their picture-perfect lives, social media has led to distorted truths about life in teens. Filters that can completely change how one looks and air-brushing tools also play a hand in igniting many insecurities in teenagers.

 

Apart from social media, other things lead to low self-confidence in teenagers, like unrealistic body expectations, societal pressures, changing bodies, pubertal hormones, or peer pressure. So as a teenager, you must learn how to build self-confidence.

To be self-confident means to have assurance in oneself- knowing your worth and value. When you are self-confident, you trust your capabilities, skills, and judgement more. You can also solve other problems like peer pressure in teenagers can by building self-confidence.

So how do you go about it?

There are some common teenage problems that you will need to tackle to build confidence:

  • Step Away from the negative. There are millions of things to do as a teenager. You shouldn't be wasting your time and energy on negative things. Practice loving yourself by stepping away from things and people that hurt and demotivate you.
  • Take a social media detox: While social media is entertaining, it can become toxic too. If you start feeling that you are missing out or are unsatisfied and sad by looking at other people's pictures online, it is time to take a break.
  • Break bad habits: As teenagers, it is easy to fall into bad eating and sleeping patterns. Whether overeating greasy foods or negative self-talk, put in the work to break that habit. Motivate yourself and practice on it. It can take up to 8 to 12 weeks to eliminate a bad habit, so take it daily and don't overexert yourself.
  • Say bye to toxic people: This could be one of the most beneficial yet challenging things to do for building self-confidence. Often, people in our lives make us feel bad about ourselves. Whether it is in terms of our looks, our habits or anything that is entirely normal. Limit contact with such people or, if possible, cut them out completely. Relationships are meant to bring you up and not bring you down and drain your energy.
  • Start journaling: Journalling has many benefits, whether clearing your mind, helping in making decisions or building self-confidence. List daily affirmations, complement yourself. It might seem difficult at first, but you can compliment yourself on many things. Take it one day at a time.
  • Eating well: Staying away from junk does not mean quitting oily foods; in replacement, fuel your body with wholesome food. It will surely help in making you feel energised and healthier. Good nutrition will impact your mental and physical wellness.
  • Move your body: I know you are probably tired of hearing that you have to exercise daily. But getting in movement every day does help in releasing endorphins (happy hormones), improves your health and leaves you feeling good in general. So, it goes a long way in boosting confidence. Exercise does not mean getting on a treadmill or lifting weights; you can go for a walk or try some yoga. You can also dance it out through Zumba. The key is to do it in a way you enjoy- so it does not feel like a burden.
  • Sleeping on time: Sleep is essential to feeling good, keeping positive thoughts and overall health. Form a good sleep schedule and stick to it. It is tempting to finish that one last episode rather than catch up on your sleep, but you must avoid it. Good quality sleep is essential in improving optimism and affects overall self-esteem.

Self-confidence is essential to living a happy and full life. It does take some time to build, but that does not mean it is impossible.