Confidence is easily attainable and makes a huge impact on how others view you as well as how you feel about yourself. Try these instant boosters to put a little spring in your step:
- Straighten up. A recent Ohio State University
study found that the simple act of sitting up straight and adjusting
your posture can significantly boost your confidence.
- Note the positives. Look in a full-size
mirror and pick five things that you feel good about, recommends Leslie
Sokol, PhD, coauthor of Think Confident, Be Confident. Make note of both
your physical attributes (eyes, lips, hair, nails, legs, feet, toes,
smile) and your style (hairdo, clothing, stance, makeup, shoes,
jewelry).
- Break a sweat (or not). Go for a quick
stroll around the block when you’re feeling down. The simple act of
exercise (doesn’t matter how long, how intense or how often) gives you
an instant body image boost, according to University of Florida
research.
- Get a haircut. Although it may seem
trite, a new ’do is a quick way to feel better, says Sheenah Hankin,
PhD, author of Complete Confidence. Changing your look or just indulging
in a little “me” time can up your self-esteem in a big way.
- Schedule a girls’ night. In a recent
Tupperware survey for their Chain of Confidence campaign, 85 percent of
respondents, age 18 and older, said that a supportive network of female
friends is more likely to make them feel confident in the long run
compared to looking attractive.
- Lend a hand. If you want to build your
confidence in a big way, volunteer for an organization or group that
needs help, says Susan Newman, PhD, author of The Book of No. The
gratitude you receive will reinforce your self-worth immediately. Check
out VolunteerMatch.org or DoSomething.org to find an opportunity in your area.
- Look on the bright side. Think back to
the most recent experience where you think you fell short or messed up,
and force yourself to name a few things that went right, suggests Marci
Fox, PhD, coauthor of Think Confident, Be Confident. Burned that
batch of cookies? Maybe, but did you get to spend some quality time with
your kids and finish a knitting project while waiting for the treats to
bake?
- Make a list. Avoiding things that are
stressing you out increases anxiety and cuts down confidence, says Dr.
Hankin. Write down anything that may fall into this category, such as
calling people back or paying bills. Start with just three things and do
them today.
- Set a (small) goal. One of the most
effective ways to build self-confidence is to break down large goals
into small, doable action steps, says Sharon Fountain, president of the
National Association for Self-Esteem. For example, if you’re trying to
shape up and lose weight, make it a goal to eat at least three servings
of veggies today.
- Try something new. Tackling something you’re scared to do or something that seems difficult increases your sense of well-being, explains Dr. Newman. A few suggestions to get started: Learn a new language, try flower arranging, take a tango class or register for a night class at a local community college in a subject that interests you.
