Confidence can sometimes be an elusive thing – often, it waxes and wanes depending on our mood, surroundings, life circumstances or general state of mind. Our self-confidence can permeate every aspect of our lives, from our professional lives to our social lives to those quiet moments where we’re unwinding for the night all by ourselves.
When our confidence is low, it can feel increasingly difficult to do much of anything – even those everyday tasks that don’t require a lot of thought or intention. Finding what makes us feel most empowered, confident and positive is a major key to living a happier, lighter, more successful life.
But what makes one person feel amazing might not do much for another. Learning what makes you feel most confident can be a process of trial and error – but once you do find those things that build you up, it’s important to hold on to them tightly. Whether that’s a series of affirmations, a collection of lingerie that hugs your body perfectly, or a great workout, here are a few simple things you can try that could make all the difference in your journey of self-confidence:
Commit to a New Hobby
Sometimes, a lack of confidence stems from feeling unfulfilled or uninspired. If you’re spending most of your time doing a job you can’t stand, you’re not going to feel great about your natural creative interests and abilities.
Sometimes, simply committing to spending more time doing the things you love or trying new hobbies is all you need to get a much-deserved confidence boost. Sign up for a new class or treat yourself to some new books, supplies or movies that support your creative interests and make you feel inspired and curious about the world around you.
Write Out Affirmations
It’s a widely agreed-upon fact that our subconscious thoughts and internal dialogue can completely transform our lives and the way we feel about ourselves. While this can often be much easier said than done, reprogramming your thoughts can be as simple as writing out a few empowering statements or affirmations that you can repeat throughout the day.
If you’re not sure where to start, write out a list of statements that you would say to a dear friend who was struggling with their confidence, but direct them to yourself. An example could be, “I am uniquely beautiful and glow everywhere I go.”
Move Your Body
You may be slightly annoyed at the fact that exercise is a go-to solution for any mental or physical struggle – after all, how many times can you be told to just “go for a run” to remedy a bad day?
However, it really is true – exercising regularly and getting that daily dose of endorphins can work wonders on your confidence, even if you’re not struggling with body image or anything related to your physical health. Luckily, you don’t need to struggle at the gym for hours in order to reap the benefits of exercise. A short walk, a hike with a friend, or even a solo dance party in your bedroom can be amazing forms of fun exercise that will still give you the release you need to shed the negativity and feel more confident in your body.
Treat Yourself to Something Beautiful
Think about how amazing it feels when you try on an outfit that fits your body and style so beautifully that you can’t take your eyes off yourself. Why not recreate that feeling on an everyday basis by investing in a few beautiful pieces you can slip on when you need a little boost?
For many people, donning gorgeous lingerie is a sure-fire way to feel sexy, empowered and confident, even if you’re just wearing it alone in your room. There’s something about wearing something so beautiful and sensual that can work wonders on your self-esteem. If you’re not comfortable incorporating your lingerie into your outfits, wear it underneath your everyday clothes – you’d be surprised at just how much it can impact the way you move, look and feel.
Find New Favorites
How many times have you blasted an empowering song and immediately felt like the most beautiful, empowered, intelligent version of yourself? Sometimes, feeling more confident is as simple as getting yourself out of your mental funk with your favorite piece of art or media.
Make a playlist full of your favorite uplifting songs, dive into a new book or watch your favorite film that makes you feel the most seen, empowered and inspired. It’s amazing how powerful art can be in our search for motivation, understanding and self-soothing. Our favorite things can help us feel more connected to who we are and what matters to us, and can also help us feel excited at the prospect of trying new things, stepping out on the town, or making moves that will empower us in the short- and long-term.
