Mental Health
Simple ways to build your confidence
Looking for simple ways to build your confidence? Whether you struggle with shyness or experience low self-esteem, many of us lack confidence from time to time.
The good news is that there are a number of easy methods you can add into your day to build your confidence, as we explain here.
How to build your confidence
Practice positive self-talk
How often do you pay attention to your inner voice? Though we may not realise it, the way we talk to ourselves can have a huge impact on our confidence.
Begin to become aware of your inner voice as you go through your day and make a note of anything you notice. If your thoughts and self-talk are negative, it may limit how well you can build your confidence.
As you become more aware of your inner voice, see if you can neutralise or make the statements more positive. For example, when faced with a challenging task, your inner voice may be tempted to say ‘This is impossible!’. A slight change to your thinking to ‘How is this possible?’ will make a world of difference.
Over time, you’ll notice this exercise will help you to build your confidence, just by being a little kinder to yourself.
Take on a challenge
We’re all guilty of staying in our comfort zone from time to time, but this can limit our ability to build confidence.
Taking yourself out of your comfort zone can be a great way to gradually build your confidence, but it’s important not to go too far too quickly, as this can have the opposite effect.
One exercise that can help you to understand your comfort zones is to write down where you currently are and what you want to achieve. Then note the steps in between that can take you from point A – where you currently are, to point B – what you want to achieve.
For example, you might wish to attend a yoga class in the future. The steps that you take to reach this goal will be small and incremental. To begin with, you might practice online at home with a pre-recorded video or app to help you become more confident with the poses. Then, the next step might be to attend a live online class with a teacher.
In time, you may feel confident enough to attend an in-person class (once lockdown rules allow). Going with a friend, rather than on your own, may help to make that first step even easier.
Look after your wellbeing
Your confidence will take a hit if you’re not looking after yourself. Eating healthy foods and keeping active will not only support your health, but lift your confidence too.
Adding more gut-friendly foods into your lifestyle is one easy way to support your wellbeing. Enjoy a kefir smoothie in the morning or switch your weekday wine for a glass of kombucha. These simple swaps will all add up and help you to incorporate more probiotics into your diet.
What’s more, the health of our gut is linked to our mood. Microbial imbalance and inflammation of the gut has been linked to anxiety and depression. Research suggests that probiotics have the ability to restore balance within the gut and may have a role in preventing these mental health challenges. The healthier your gut, the happier you’ll be.
Focus on what you’re good at
Many of us often find it easier to home in on our flaws rather than what we’re good at. But, noticing your skills, or acknowledging what you like about yourself, can work wonders for your confidence.
Take a moment to write down five things you’re good at or that you like about yourself. Once you’re happy with this list, read them out loud to yourself. You might feel a little self-conscious, but these positive affirmations can have a huge influence on your mindset and help you to build confidence.
Notice your posture
While it sounds simple, the way we stand can have a profound effect on our confidence. When we slouch, we might feel unenergised, lethargic and lacking confidence. It also makes it easier for us to think negative thoughts.
This changes when we stand up tall. When we stand up tall, we take up more space and may feel more energised. We’re more likely to notice empowering thoughts too. All of these factors add up to making us feel more confident.
Ongoing confidence issues
If you find that you’re struggling with ongoing low confidence and self-esteem issues, where you perhaps haven’t before, it may be worth having a chat with your GP about it. Low self-esteem is often a symptom of menopause and, if you notice you’re having other symptoms too (download our free tracker here), having a chat with your doctor can help you assess your options.
