This article considers self-esteem as the basis of mental and social well-being, describes its relationship with self-regulation and suggests ways to manage negative emotions. Self-esteem acts as a system-forming the core of a person's individuality, which determines the self - attitude, life position, forms an idea of oneself and is one of the main factors of a person's self-realization in life. Important functions of self-esteem are the preservation of self-esteem and identity, protection from stress and recovery of a person after failures. Quick reaction, the ability to take risks and the speed of completing the task is what distinguishes people with high self-esteem from the rest. The works of Russian and foreign authors on the relationship of self-esteem and self-regulation are analyzed. The features of self-regulation of students with different levels of self-esteem are considered. The data of empirical studies of foreign and Russian scientists are collected for a clearer understanding of the role of self-esteem in human life. This article emphasizes the importance of self-esteem as a factor in the development and realization of human potential. Special importance for the development of self-esteem is given to awareness and understanding of their needs and also their implementation. An active lifestyle, a high level of energy and a healthy self-esteem are interrelated. High self-esteem leads to happiness, and low self-esteem leads to depression, so it is important to focus on positive experiences and be optimistic. The desire to increase one's self-esteem undermines self-regulation in areas that are important to the individual and the best way out of this situation can be to rely on more reliable goals. To get good results in achieving goals, it is necessary to have a good source of motivation, giving up self-affirmation. In the article, failure is explained not by a lack of abilities, but by restraining efforts, as a common strategy of self-restraint due to fear of failure. Considering the gender characteristics of self-esteem, the key to achieving success is high self-esteem and the ability to take risks, which is more characteristic of men, despite the low self-esteem of women and a more responsible approach to solving certain tasks. As for self-regulation, women are more flexible in managing emotions. This article consists of two parts, the first of which gives a theoretical overview of self-esteem, and the second part presents effective ways of self-regulation. The cause of negative emotions does not depend on the situation itself, but on how a person evaluates it. For effective self-regulation, planning is proposed, conscious observation of one's inner state, acceptance of the presence of a problem, voicing one's fears aloud, search for new alternative solutions to the problem, full awareness of the problem, differentiation of feelings, sensations, images, reduction of the level of claims, the presence of a backup plan, expression of discontent in socially acceptable forms, reassessment of the situation, viewed from the side, self-reflection, negative emotions should be released through physical exertion, not to deny, but to accept negative emotions and be honest with yourself. You can use negative emotions as a resource for self-expression through creativity. Anxiety prevents a person from living more meaningfully and it is for this reason that such a person has a tendency to avoid responsibility for his life. In the presence of a high level of anxiety and low indicators of meaningfulness of life and self-control, a person has practically no opportunity for effective coping. In addition, an anxious, emotionally unstable person is characterized by a feeling of self-doubt. And a high level of optimism helps to cope with difficulties more flexibly, have a healthy self-esteem and see positive aspects in everything, avoiding focusing on negative situations. And most importantly, it is important to understand that emotions should not linger in the body, but pass freely, so the main task of a person is to respond to them in a timely manner, protecting their borders. Mental hygiene, a high level of responsibility and active actions are important.