Student life is said to be a glorious part of everyone’s life. But is this true? Approximately 80% of children experience a lack of confidence after starting school. This lack of confidence causes missing out on all the fun around being a student.

Apart from academic excellence, another goal of academic institutions should be strengthening confidence among their students. A lot can be achieved when your confidence level is up to the mark.

The plight is most of the time people are unaware that students can lack confidence as well. Most of the time people misunderstand the situation to introverted nature. But over time when it becomes visible, it’s too late to act on it. Hence it is essential to observe students and notice their behaviour to have an idea about their confidence level.

Here in this blog, we will have a walk through the ways that can enhance the confidence level amongst students.

What is a Healthy Confidence?

Self-confidence is the key to success. A healthy sense of self-confidence is about having a balanced view of yourself taking pride in your abilities while recognizing the flaws. The importance of self-confidence is something that you should never underestimate.
A healthy self-confidence helps students to feel good about themselves and represents them better. Several confidence-building activities help foster confidence among the students.

Beware, self-confidence and overconfidence have a very thin line. Confidence can make things happen and overconfidence can take you to the downfall.

Why is it Important to Cultivate Confidence amongst the students?

Here are some common reasons why it is essential to foster confidence in students:

Students feel less anxious around their peers and friends. Lack of confidence can lead to cornering the students by those who are more upfront with their self-confidence.
Self-confidence helps students to enhance their curiosity and explore subjects, roles and hobbies as well.
Self-confidence contributes to a positive self-image. A higher level of self-confidence is better equipped to handle stress and peer pressure.
Confidence is a valuable asset in various aspects of life beyond school. Confidence is a valuable aspect of life beyond school.
Confident students are more likely to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. You can also help students cultivate confidence for good social skills.

9 Self-confidence Building Activates for Students

Here are nine self-confidence-building activities for students:

Goal Setting:

Encourage students to set achievable goals for themselves. These goals can be both personal and academic as well. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate each milestone they achieve. Try to reward yourself once you achieve the milestone.

Positive Affirmations:

Teach students to practice affirmation self-talk. This could be done simply by repeating affirmations in front of the mirror. This affirmation could be such as "I am capable," "I believe in myself," or "I can do this." Encourage them to write down affirmations and repeat them daily. This process attracts positivity and that fosters self-confidence.

Role-playing:

Use role-playing exercises to help students practice assertive communication and problem-solving skills. This can help them feel more confident in social situations or when expressing their opinions. Skits and drams can the a good exercise to practice this self-confidence-building exercise.

Public Speaking:

Though this should be the later part of the activity, but still should be marked as important in the list. Provide opportunities for students to speak in front of their peers. You can ask them to either give presentations, participate in debates, or share personal stories. Offer constructive feedback and praise their efforts to boost their confidence.

Creative Expression:

Encourage students to explore their creativity through art, music, writing, or other forms of self-expression. Engaging in creative activities can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. Such activities involve interaction with new students and they can learn to build confidence steadily.

Volunteering:

Involve students in community service or volunteering projects where they can make a positive impact on others. Contributing to the community can foster a sense of purpose and confidence in their abilities to effect change. This also seeds the feeling of empathy among the students and they learn to value life.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

Teach students mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or progressive muscle relaxation. These practices can help reduce stress and anxiety. It allows students to approach challenges with a clear and calm mind. Yoga and meditation are the best ways you can execute mindfulness and relaxation activities.

Peer Support Groups:

Create peer support groups or buddy systems where students can encourage and uplift each other. Building positive relationships with peers can provide a support network for students. They can find someone to lean on during times of doubt or insecurity. They will learn to trust people and will steadily master the skill of communication.

Reflection and Journaling:

Encourage students to reflect on their experiences, strengths, and achievements through journaling or self-assessment exercises. Acknowledgement of their progress and personal growth, students can boost their confidence and self-awareness.

These activities can help foster a positive self-image, resilience, and belief in one's abilities, laying the foundation for lifelong self-confidence.

Conclusion

Infusing self-confidence building activities into the Youth Empowerment Services program is vital for resilience and belief in oneself. These activities not only will support the students with confidence but also will help in the growth of overall personality development.
Communication, expression, empathy and several other such virtues start budding simultaneously with confidence. The bouquet of these virtues is responsible for character building in future.