8 Tips to Raise Your Self-Esteem While in College

BY JANE HURST

You seem to be handling it all. You are getting to your classes and making sure your homework is in on time and your reading is done. Everything seems to be going well, but slowly you realize you missed a few assignments and you are falling behind. Your self-esteem starts to drop and you become depressed. If you are feeling overwhelmed, do not worry. This happens to many people while attending college. Here are eight tips to raise your self esteem.

  1. Introduce yourself – Take time early in the semester to introduce yourself to your instructors. This will make a great impression on them and they will be more willing to help you if you are feeling overwhelmed. If you do not understand something in the class, see if you can meet with them during their office hours to discuss what you are having difficulty with. Most professors will take the time to help you get through their class.
    2. Hang out – Take some time away from studying and hang out with people. Everyone needs a break; and, if you are feeling the pressure, you really need one. Take some time off to talk to people outside your dorm. Hang out in the quad or go to a nearby park. Getting away from your books for an hour or so can help you reboot and start over.
    3. Take a class you love – At least once a semester try and take a class that peaks your interest and is fun. You could take a rock-climbing class that will go towards your PE credits, or an art class that you can fit into your requirements. Do something you enjoy and you will feel less stressed about your other classes.
    4. Do not be critical – Even though you feel down in the dumps, do not criticize yourself. You are worthy and strong. “Remember your good values and concentrate on them. While you may think at times you cannot accomplish anything, just remember that you got into college. You accomplished a step that many others have not. You can do this,” says an expert from Arthurmurraywaterfordlakes.com.
    5. Rewards – Reward yourself for little things. Did you get your pages read? Have a candy bar. Did you complete your homework? Take a walk around campus and breathe the fresh air. Small rewards will help you see what you have accomplished. You can reward big things, too. However, right now stick to the small stuff.
    6. Volunteer – Sometimes it is important to step away from what you are doing and help other people. Helping others will make you realize what you have. It will also make you feel good and that will reflect in your grades and studying. Volunteer at a food bank or even a local animal shelter. Animals will give you unconditional love and help boost your spirits.
    7. Journal – Take time to write down how you are feeling and what you might do to help yourself feel better. Are you handing things in late? Write about getting organized. You are more likely to follow through with things that you have written down. Be sure to write down the positive things that happened in the day, even if they are small. When you are feeling depressed, you can look back at these small bits of happiness and boost your confidence.
    8. Smaller classes – Being in a large class can be overwhelming. You probably will not get the one-on-one time with the professor that you may need. Try and take smaller classes. You will be able to talk to your professor and explain what is going wrong. They will be able to sit with you and help you get back on track or offer you resources you may not have know existed. Smaller classes are more personable and welcoming.

 

Byline:

Jane Hurst has been working in education for over 5 years as a teacher. She loves sharing her knowledge with students, is fascinated about edtech and loves reading, a lot. Follow Jane on Twitter.

 

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