Whether you need an instant confidence boost or regular exercises to improve your self-confidence in the long-term, I guarantee these two simple tips will work wonders.
Body Posture
In the same way that our inner dialogue determines how we feel about and see ourselves, body language influences our self-confidence. Slumped shoulders or a hunched back sends our bodies the message that you feel insecure and are lacking energy. Conversely, an assertive posture projects confidence and can help ease stress.
When we feel stress, we physically manifest it in our bodies. Our muscles tense. Our chest tightens. Our heads ache. It’s difficult to catch yourself looking tense or constrained, especially before a stressful situation! The next time you have an important business meeting (even if it’s on Zoom) or feel worked up before a social event, try adjusting your body language to reflect the way you’d like to feel, not the way you feel already.
Once you see (and feel) the difference, you can start practising. Set interval alarms on your phone for a quick posture check throughout the day.
Are you sitting up straight?
Is your posture open and receptive?
Or are you closed off and slumping?
The more you practice body language self-awareness, the easier it will be to maintain a healthy posture and your self-confidence.
Make Yourself Laugh!
Okay, if you’re not feeling 100%, you’re probably not in the mood to laugh.
But that’s the point!
Laughing is an exceptional antidote to help you combat a poor sense of self-confidence. Laughing will help get the endorphins flowing, lighten your mood and arm you against the negative forces of stress and anxiety.
It may be as simple as watching a light-hearted comedy at the end of a long day.
You could also do something silly. Start dancing around your house to a song that makes you happy. Put on a ridiculous outfit. Experiment with makeup.
Or you could call a friend who’s an excellent storyteller and knows how to make you laugh.
Distracting yourself from pervasive negative thoughts can help show you how enjoyable life is when you approach it with a sense of lightness. Even if temporary, laughter is always the best medicine.
Got any other tips for an immediate self-confidence boost?
Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!