In a recent study, 79% of women admitted to struggling with their self-esteem in both their personal and professional lives. While fluctuating confidence levels are normal, they can also be debilitating, especially if they stop you from putting yourself out there.
With that in mind, here are some effective ways in which you can elevate your confidence – silencing that negative voice in your mind!
Invest in your fitness.
Participating in regular exercise is a great way to lift your confidence. This is because it increases your body’s production of mood-boosting endorphins, which can help you to challenge negative thoughts and destress. Furthermore, sticking to a fitness regime will enhance your body confidence and the pride you feel regarding your capabilities, as each day you will get stronger and fitter. This will show you that you can do anything you set your mind to.
As a result, you should make time in your schedule for weekly exercise. For example, you could sign up for a flexible gym membership where you can pay-as-you-go for gym sessions as opposed to being tied down to a lengthy contract. This is the best option for those whose schedules are incredibly varied, and also gives you the chance to try out a few different gyms before you find a good fit.
Upgrade your wardrobe.
It’s no secret that when you look your best, you’ll also feel your best. Furthemore, “wearing clothes that make you feel important or intelligent can change the way you interact with others as well as your cognitive functioning”, meaning this can be a great way to increase your confidence at work. As a result, if you’ve not been loving your outfit of the day recently, it’s time to indulge in some retail therapy.
Remember, it’s entirely possible to look good on a budget. For example, you could focus on buying wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time, so that you don’t get caught in the fast-fashion cycle. You could also buy clothes second-hand on sites such as Depop, for a fraction of their original price. If you spend some time properly browsing these sites, you may even come across some hidden designer or vintage gems!
Focus on self-care.
According to various studies, self-care “produces positive feelings, which builds self-love, self-confidence and self-esteem”. This is likely because it encourages you to not only address, but to prioritise your wants and needs, instead of letting them slide to the bottom of your to-do list.
One of the greatest joys associated with self-care is that it comes in many different forms. For example, you could indulge in self-care through upgrading your beauty regimen, or by indulging in your hobbies. Self-care can also be giving yourself some time off, getting an early night or reading a good book.
Start being kinder to yourself.
More often than not, we are our own biggest critics. However, thoughts of self-criticism and self-doubt will only lower your confidence further, which means it’s important that we learn to stop them in their tracks. One way in which you can do this is by trying to be a little kinder to yourself. Whenever you find yourself slipping into a negative mindset, stop what you’re doing and take a deep breath. Then, say three good things about yourself. The more practised you become at redirecting your thoughts, the easier it will be to maintain a positive mindset.
Another way in which you can achieve this goal is through meditation, as “by meditating regularly, it becomes easier to “get in the zone,” turn your brain off, and stop negative self-talk.” Meditation is also famed for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Comparing yourself to others, whether you believe them to be more attractive or more successful, will open the door for negative self-esteem. This is because it stops you from acknowledging your own value as you’ll instead be focusing on the things you “lack”. As a result, you must stop comparing yourself to others.
While this may seem easier said than done, there are various ways you can achieve this goal. For example, you could participate in a social media detox, where you take a break from scrolling through your busy feed. While the two factors may not seem to be linked, social media as a whole encourages us to compare our lives to those of our friends or celebrities, especially if their posts receive more likes/engagements than our own.
Of course, it’s also important to remember that social media is not real life. Our Instagram feeds are carefully curated – and only the best pictures make their way online. As such, the images you may be comparing yourself to are not accurate reflections of a person’s life! The more you acknowledge this, the easier it will be for you to feel comfortable in your skin and have a damn good day every day.
Step out of your comfort zone.
Stepping out of your comfort zone – whether that means you apply for a promotion or step back into the world of online dating – can be instrumental in elevating your confidence. This is because taking steps outside of your comfort zone (however small) increases your self-worth by showing you that you possess plenty of positive traits and skills. It also shows you that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to, so long as you maintain a positive mindset.
There are various ways in which you can begin to step out of your comfort zone – though it’s best to start small. Try to do one little thing each day that you wouldn’t ordinarily do. For example, if you’re trying to increase your fitness levels and would usually go for a short walk, try going for a jog around the block instead. Alternatively, if you’re dining out with friends and have a go-to meal choice, try something different instead. The more you expose yourself to something “new”, the easier it will be to take bigger, bolder leaps when the time comes.
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© Copyright 2022 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
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