5 Ways to Help Teenagers Feel Good About Themselves

Posted by Deb Dutta on August 6th, 2019

Most often teenagers think how nobody wants to hang out with them, how they are a failure at school and what's wrong with them, seeing their friends happy. These types of negative thoughts are increasingly becoming more common among teenagers. They are experiencing increased anxiety and studies show that college students are becoming perfectionistic over time and measure themselves against unrealistic standards.

So, why is this happening? A 2019 study of early adolescents tells that self-concept plays a key role in emotional well-being. As per the study, a supportive classroom environment and positive social relationships also tend to affect teen well-being. However, the impact is indirect. Positive self-concept seems to be an important variable in the well-being equation.

If a teenager feels good about themselves, they are more likely to connect with others. This article will help teens move towards a positive self-concept.

How can people feel good about themselves?

Physical activity

Teenagers can hugely benefit from regular exercise. A recent study indicates that physical activity alone can be an improvement in self-esteem and self-concept in adolescents. Apparently, the exercise setting is important too. Adolescents' self-concept is strongly linked to their sense of physical attractiveness and body image. This is an area where most people struggle.

The focus should be on self-compassion

What would happen if people stop judging themselves? Researchers claim that self-compassion, people treating themselves with openness, acceptance, and kindness, is a fine alternative to the incessant striving as well as performance orientation often attached to self-esteem. Studies have shown that adolescents with higher self-compassion displayed greater well-being.

Avoid social comparison

When the focus is on self-esteem, people tend to get caught up in comparing themselves to others. Teenagers, in particular, often sense an “imaginary audience”. They feel everyone is looking at them. Facebook and other social media platforms don't help the cause much. Researches suggest a link between social media and loneliness, anxiety, depression and fear of missing out.

One can check 'Life Unfiltered With Alexa Curtis' to know more about life and how to handle it efficiently. An Alexa Curtis teen blog can be pretty helpful in this respect.

Capitalize on particular skills

Parents must keep their eye out for their teens' talents and interests. They can be supported in cultivating their strengths. Researches claim that self-concept is domain-specific. People's sense of worth tends to be rooted in distinct areas such as scholastic competence, social acceptance, close friendship, behavioral conduct, physical attractiveness, and others.

Parents should highlight and encourage their teenage children's area of interest and particular skill sets. This will make them feel more capable, inspired and also confident. Alexa Curtis the blogger tries to help teenagers live a better life.

Help others

When teenagers reach out to others, they are likely to feel better about themselves. Adolescents who are kind and helpful in general, have higher self-esteem. But those who direct their generosity towards strangers, tend to grow in self-esteem.