Being a teenager isn’t easy. With so many changes happening in your body and mind, it’s normal to feel unsure about yourself or struggle with self-esteem issues. But the good news is that there are plenty of activities you can do to boost your confidence and help you feel better about yourself.

In this post, which complements our guide on self-esteem for teenagers, we’ve put together a list of self-esteem activities specifically designed for teenagers. From listening to uplifting music and watching inspiring movies to joining team sports and creating vision boards, these activities will help you focus on your strengths and build a positive self-image. So if you’re looking for ways to feel better about yourself, read on!

Listening to Uplifting Music

Discover the transformative power of music to boost self-confidence and uplift your mood. Curate a playlist filled with positive and empowering songs that resonate with you, allowing yourself to immerse in their inspiring melodies and lyrics.

Embrace the therapeutic benefits of music as a tool for shifting your mindset and cultivating a positive outlook. Let the rhythm and harmony guide you towards self-discovery and enhanced self-esteem. By using music consciously, you can tap into its ability to elevate your emotions and help you navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood.

Here are some songs from various genres:

Praise The Lord (Da Shine) by A$AP Rocky: A hip-hop track that exudes confidence and celebrates self-expression.
Good as Hell by Lizzo: This song is about self-love and body positivity
I’m Good by The Mowgli’s: This song is about being confident in who you are and not letting anyone bring you down.
Rise Up by Andra Day: A soulful anthem that encourages resilience and embracing your inner strength.
Brave by Sara Bareilles: A catchy pop tune about standing up for yourself and conquering your fears.
Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield: An empowering song that reminds you that your future is in your own hands.
Believer by Imagene Dragons: A song is about finding your inner strength and resilience
Roar by Katy Perry: A powerful pop anthem about finding your voice and believing in yourself.
This Is Me from The Greatest Showman: This song is about embracing your uniqueness and being proud of who you are

If you have any song suggestions, please drop them in the comments below so we can add them here. All genres welcome!

Watching Inspiring Movies

When searching for ways to boost your self-esteem, exploring the world of cinema and watching inspiring movies can be a great option. Look for films that feature relatable characters who overcome challenges and achieve success.

Pay attention to the themes and messages conveyed in these movies, allowing yourself to be moved and motivated by their stories of triumph and resilience. Reflect on how these inspiring movies impact your self-esteem, and use them as a tool to ignite your self-confidence.

By choosing movies with empowering narratives, you can find a unique source of inspiration and motivation on your journey towards building healthy self-esteem.

Team Sports

Engaging in team sports can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and social skills. The physical activity involved not only promotes a positive outlook and mental well-being, but it also offers you the opportunity to build self-esteem through accomplishments and teamwork.

Team sports provide you with a supportive environment to overcome challenges and develop resilience. Additionally, the sense of belonging and camaraderie with peers can greatly benefit your self-esteem.

By participating in team sports, you can cultivate valuable skills and experiences that contribute to your overall self-esteem and personal growth.

Create Vision Boards

Express your goals and aspirations through a creative outlet that boosts motivation and inspires a positive mindset. Using images, words, and symbols, vision boards encourage self-reflection and self-awareness, helping you manifest dreams and reinforce a sense of purpose.

These boards serve as daily reminders of your personal values and aspirations, acting as anchors for your journey towards self-esteem and personal growth. By visualizing your desires and intentions, you can bring them to life and attract the positive energy needed to achieve them.

Let your vision board be a powerful tool in shaping your future.

Reading Affirming Books

When you delve into affirming books, you’re not just reading words; you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery. These books can become your anchor, filling you with positivity and a renewed sense of self-worth.

They offer insights, showing you your inherent value and strength, especially during the rollercoaster of teenage years.

By immersing yourself in these narratives, you gain tools and perspectives to navigate the intricate emotional terrain of adolescence.

Core Beliefs Workshop

Your journey towards deeper self-awareness often starts by examining your deeply-held beliefs. Conduct a Core Beliefs Workshop to dive into these beliefs, identifying any that might hold you back. Replace limiting thoughts with empowering affirmations.

This space is designed for introspection, helping you make sense of the external pressures, whether from friends or family expectations. By engaging in this reflective process, you enhance your communication skills, understand your emotions better, and cultivate a genuine sense of self-worth.

Rewrite Negative Self-Talk

When you tune into your thoughts, you might notice patterns of self-criticism. Recognizing these patterns is your first step toward transformation.

Challenge these limiting narratives and replace them with kinder, more supportive ones. By reframing these thoughts, you start to shift the dialogue within, fostering a more compassionate view of yourself.

This isn’t just about changing thoughts; it’s about embracing who you truly are. As you continue this practice, you’ll find your confidence and sense of self-worth growing, guiding you toward a more centered and positive state of being.

Self-Esteem Poetry

Explore the expressive nature of poetry to boost self-esteem. Write poems that celebrate your strengths, achievements, and unique qualities.

Use poetry as a creative outlet for self-reflection and self-expression. Share your poems with others to inspire and uplift them too.

Discover the therapeutic benefits of writing and reading self-esteem poetry. Poetry allows you to dive deep into your emotions and thoughts, helping you gain a better understanding of yourself.

It’s a powerful way to express your innermost feelings and build confidence in your abilities.

By creating and sharing self-esteem poetry, you not only uplift yourself but also inspire others to embrace their own strengths and beauty.

Set Achievable Goals & Track Progress

Establishing realistic and measurable goals is essential for boosting your self-esteem. By setting achievable goals, you can develop a sense of accomplishment and cultivate self-discipline and motivation.

It’s important to track your progress along the journey, as this helps you stay focused and motivated. Keeping track also allows you to celebrate your achievements, which in turn builds self-confidence and reinforces positive self-esteem.

By setting goals and monitoring your progress, you can develop a healthier self-concept and become more resilient in the face of challenges.

Tracking your progress can be a great bonding activity with family members or a personal practice that helps you become more self-aware and confident.

Positive Role Models

Consider the people you surround yourself with. Are they lifting you up or pulling you down? Engaging with role models who radiate confidence and resilience can profoundly shape your own self-perception.

By aligning with those who inspire and encourage, you absorb their wisdom and positive behaviors. This connection not only fosters a sense of self-worth but also equips you with the tools to confidently tackle adolescence’s twists and turns.

Visualizing Success

Visualization is more than just daydreaming. Take a quiet moment and envision yourself achieving what you desire. Feel it, live it in your mind. This mental rehearsal strengthens your belief in your capabilities.

By holding onto optimistic visions and anchoring them with tangible reminders like photos or quotes, you solidify your path forward.

This simple act of visualization can be your compass, guiding you with confidence throughout your journey.

Assertiveness Role-Playing

Communication is an art, and assertiveness is one of its powerful brushes. Dive into role-playing to hone this skill. By placing yourself in different scenarios, you learn to voice your feelings and establish boundaries.

This practice not only bolsters your self-worth but also equips you to navigate the intricate social landscapes of adolescence with grace and clarity.

Do a Strengths Inventory

Pause and reflect on what makes you unique. Dive deep into understanding your innate talents. Recognizing these strengths not only uplifts your self-esteem but also paints a clearer picture of who you are.

As you identify these attributes, you’ll find resilience in leaning into them during challenging times. This introspection is a gentle nudge, reminding you of the immense potential within.

Let these discovered strengths guide your journey, shaping a resilient and self-assured version of you.

Volunteer

Service to others is service to oneself. When you reach out to help, you’re not just lifting others but also enriching your own soul. This act of kindness allows you to tap into deep reservoirs of empathy and compassion, broadening your emotional understanding.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving—it’s about growth, connection, and building a sense of purpose. In this process, you’ll discover a community that resonates with your values, bolstering your self-worth and sense of belonging.

Design Inspiring Posters

Embrace creativity by designing posters filled with messages that resonate with your spirit. Let these visual reminders, placed where you can see them daily, serve as a beacon of motivation.

This artistic pursuit is more than just decoration—it’s an affirmation of your identity.

Engaging in this act not only fuels your emotional well-being but also combats the shadows of negativity, brightening your space and mindset.

Success Collage

Consider crafting a collage that embodies your achievements and aspirations. By piecing together images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with your experiences, you create a mirror reflecting your journey and potential.

This tactile affirmation, placed prominently, can become a daily beacon of encouragement. Let this collage be a continuous reminder of your worth, inspiring you to aim even higher.

Power Posing: Using Body Language to Change Mental States

Your body speaks, often louder than words. Adopting certain postures, like standing tall with arms uplifted or adopting a relaxed seated pose, can shift your inner state. These ‘power poses’ have the potential to bolster confidence and dissipate stress.

Try adopting these poses, especially during moments of self-doubt or before significant events. Enhance their effect by pairing them with uplifting affirmations or vivid visualizations.

Individual Workouts

Movement heals. Engaging in regular physical activity isn’t just about keeping fit; it’s a path to emotional well-being.

Whether you choose running, lifting weights, or any form of exercise, it’s essential to celebrate every milestone. This commitment to your body isn’t just about aesthetics but about fostering a deeper connection with yourself.

Self-esteem Sentence Completion

Words shape reality. Engage in an exercise where you begin sentences that touch on how you see yourself.

Complete these sentences with affirmations that resonate with your true essence.

When I look in the mirror, I feel…
One thing I love about myself is…
I feel most confident when…
A quality I admire in myself is…
People often compliment me on…
I’m proud of myself for…
When faced with challenges, I…
One mistake I learned from is…
An achievement I’m proud of is…
I feel happiest when…
Something unique about me is…
I deserve love and respect because…
My favorite way to relax and feel good about myself is…
A goal I recently achieved is…
I know I’m strong because…
When I think about my future, I…
I feel most loved and appreciated when…
A hobby or talent that makes me feel accomplished is…
I admire the way I…
One positive change I’ve noticed in myself recently is…

This simple practice can be a beacon, illuminating your inherent strengths and challenging limiting beliefs.

Compliment Circle

Imagine a circle where appreciation flows freely. In this space, you and others take turns celebrating each other’s unique qualities. This act of giving and receiving genuine compliments nurtures self-love and mutual respect.

Beyond just words, this practice fosters gratitude, deepens connections, and fortifies emotional intelligence, nurturing a collective atmosphere of positivity.

Body Positivity Activity

It’s vital for you to cultivate an appreciation for your unique body. In a world that often promotes narrow beauty ideals, take time to express gratitude for the sheer marvel that is your body.

Activities that foster body positivity can be transformative, from keeping a gratitude journal to practicing self-compassion, or standing in front of the mirror and looking at yourself and highlighting specific things you like about your body (rather than what you don’t like).

By embracing and celebrating your body’s diversity, you lay the foundation for a more positive and resilient body-image.

Random Acts of Kindness

Small acts of kindness can deeply touch both the giver and the receiver. Experience the joy that arises from helping others without expectation.

Such acts not only brighten someone’s day but also elevate your own sense of self-worth.

Recognize the transformative power of simple gestures of goodwill.

Inspiring Stickers

Visual cues can be potent reminders of your intrinsic worth.

Consider stickers adorned with positive affirmations and traits that resonate with you. By placing them where you frequently see them, they serve as daily affirmations of your value and capabilities.

Let these stickers be silent cheerleaders, encouraging you each day.

Writing a Letter to Yourself

Pen a heartfelt letter to yourself, acknowledging your journey, strengths, and aspirations. Reflecting on your past achievements and writing them down can be both grounding and uplifting. Preserve this letter as a personal testament to revisit during moments of doubt or when you need a reminder of your resilience.

Art & Creative Expression

Art has the power to heal and express. Delving into creative outlets allows you to process emotions, discover newfound talents, and receive validation. Whether it’s sketching, painting, or any other form, such expressions can enhance your self-awareness and foster a deeper connection with yourself.

Making a “Proud Of”-List

Chronicle moments, big or small, that have made you proud. This evolving list serves as an affirmation of your growth and potential. Regularly revisiting and adding to it can be a source of inspiration, reminding you of your journey’s richness and the strength within you.

Celebrate these milestones, recognizing the beauty of your evolution.

Conclusion

Building your self-esteem is crucial for your overall well-being and personal growth. Engaging in self-esteem activities can significantly boost your confidence and help you navigate the challenges you face during this phase of life.

From listening to uplifting music and watching inspiring movies to participating in team sports and expressing yourself through art, there are numerous ways for you to develop a positive self-image.

Encouraging yourself to rewrite negative self-talk, practice body positivity, and engage in random acts of kindness can also contribute to your self-esteem.

Let’s empower ourselves by incorporating these activities into our daily lives and fostering an environment that promotes self-love and acceptance.

Self-Esteem Activities for Teenagers