Wellbeing Champions share top tips for coping with low self-esteem

The University student Wellbeing Champions have put together some top tips to help you cope with low self-esteem or confidence:

• Write down 5 things that you like about yourself or are proud of yourself for.
• Every time someone pays you a compliment, write it down so you always have these to look back on for a little boost.
• Practice self-compassion- talk to yourself how you would talk to someone you love, or how you would talk to your younger self. 
• Take care of yourself- treat yourself to good food, take relaxing baths, get some fresh air and exercise, get some good rest. 
• Self-affirmations work a few minutes a day just telling yourself you can do this, you are worthy etc really changes your mindset. Try to beat the negative self-talk, by correcting it. 
• Do things to make your inner child happy- buy something that you'd have loved as a child (e.g., a Winne the Pooh t-shirt) or watch your favourite childhood tv programme or film.
• Believe in yourself - you got into university for a reason, they wouldn't have accepted you if they didn't believe in you.
• Understand it's okay to feel overwhelmed, reach out the people if you feel this way – everyone will have felt this way at some point, and this can help you feel less lonely.
• Try something new for example join societies or clubs to build confidence.
• A lot of the times our lack of self-esteem is internalised, and people don't think that about you - understanding that can help stop these thoughts. 

Find out more about the work of the Wellbeing Champions and the activities they run to support student wellbeing at wlv.ac.uk/wellbeingchamps.

Students can access mental health and wellbeing support and resources from the University's Mental Health and Wellbeing team at wlv.ac.uk/MHW.