Make sure you get adequate sleep, and that you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. All simple steps but all steps that can help you increase the feeling of wellbeing.
If you have mental health concerns, don't forget it's good to talk. If you do not have a friend or family member to talk to consider going to a professional counselling service like a company such as BetterHelp, or your GP who can refer you to mental health services and may consider medication.
If you have mental health concerns, don't forget it's good to talk. If you do not have a friend or family member to talk to consider going to a professional counselling service like a company such as BetterHelp, or your GP who can refer you to mental health services and may consider medication.
2. Think about your appearance
Ok, I know we should be happy within our own skin but if you have areas that you want to address, then why not have that treatment to improve your appearance if it makes you happy? Change your hair colour, have the porcelain veneers and zeneers, or some non-invasive skin treatments. As long as you are well informed and research it so that it is safe, then treatments like this can help increase confidence.
3. Dress the part
We've all heard the phrase 'clothes maketh the man', so ensure you have dressed appropriately for the situation. In work, often if we dress smartly people seem to take us more seriously. Of course, it depends on the type of work you do, but why not try it, if you work in a formal environment.
It's also important to spend that time every week checking our clothes. Do they need repairs, do they need to be replaced, do they need a wash and iron? Of course, if you are my age you already do this, but if you have teenage children that are leaving to go to college or moving out then this is something they need to get into the habit doing.
4. Learn to say no
Saying no is a good thing when doing what has been requested of you will give you extra stress. Learn to say no and don't be apologetic. Just state you can't do it and give a factual reason why if it makes you feel better about it. Be firm and direct. You are turning down the request, not the person. Don't feel guilty, you will feel better for turning it down if you are not happy about doing the request in the first place. You will only regret it otherwise.
Saying no is a good thing when doing what has been requested of you will give you extra stress. Learn to say no and don't be apologetic. Just state you can't do it and give a factual reason why if it makes you feel better about it. Be firm and direct. You are turning down the request, not the person. Don't feel guilty, you will feel better for turning it down if you are not happy about doing the request in the first place. You will only regret it otherwise.
5. Be kind to yourself
Be kind to yourself. You are probably your own worse critic, so be kind to yourself and forgive yourself. Accept compliments from others and don't brush them off. We aren't very good at doing this in the UK but why not celebrate your successes, however big or small.
It's good to talk. Build a support network around you, from friends, family, work colleagues and even acquaintances that you can talk to. For example, you may find it easy to confide in a friend about things that are worrying you but also there may groups of people with similar interests online that you may feel better talking to.
6. Be kind to others and pay it forward
Being kind is something we shouldn't overlook, and it can also boost our self-esteem. Can you help out doing the shopping for an elderly neighbour, donate food or time to the local food bank, or even pay for someone's coffee when you go to a cafe next. Or why not raise money for a cause you believe in, such as fundraising for breast cancer research? Helping out a charity or a person in need can really make you feel good.
7. Do things that make you happy
Make sure you try to do something that makes you happy every day. Small things can make you happy as well as bigger things. I like watching travel videos and TV programmes and I try to spend time every day planning my next trip. The anticipation of the holiday and the joy I get planning is almost as great at the enjoyment of the trip itself! Maybe you love relaxing with a good book, painting, singing, spending time with your grandchildren, walking in nature, or meeting friends for a chat.
Make sure you do something every day that makes you happy and your self-esteem will soar.
So here are 7 simple tips to improving your self-confidence. Do you have any tips?
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I definitely need to learn the art of saying no more often than I do, I always feel really guilty if I don't say yes x
ReplyDeleteI think women often feel guilty more than men at saying no.
DeleteThere is a quote I love from the TV show Twin Peaks: "I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair or two cups of good hot black coffee" and it is one that has never left me. The idea that taking a moment each day for your wellbeing can improve your mood and confidence for the day ahead.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous quote. I do like to treat myself every day. It just makes like more interesting and exciting.
DeleteThese are so true. I always feel better when I’ve had my hair done, pampered myself a bit!! I’m also working on saying no more
ReplyDeleteExercise is definitely the key for me. It just makes me feel so much more alive and positive.
ReplyDelete