Experiencing self-esteem issues? It happens. Many people find themselves struggling with their overall self-confidence for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, these feelings of unworthiness appear after a difficult event, such as a negative conversation or even something more drastic, such as being fired from your dream job.
Other times, a lack of self-confidence could be a years-long, or perhaps even a decades-long, problem. Luckily, there are five simple ways that you can immediately help improve your self-confidence!
1. Think Positively
Sometimes, all you need to do is think more positively. Thinking positively has a slew of wonderful benefits. By thinking more positive thoughts, you can find your stress levels lower, your mood improve, and your self-confidence grow.
According to an NIH study, choosing to be more positive in your thought process can even help you live a happy life. Scientifically speaking, when you think happy or positive thoughts, your brain produces serotonin, which can help you feel calmer and more focused.
Be sure to keep your thoughts positive, even if you mess up. We all make mistakes. Instead of mentally berating yourself, think, “I’ll do better next time.” You’d be surprised at how this simple change in thinking can greatly improve your overall confidence!
2. Set Goals
A dwindling self-confidence can sometimes appear when one is trying to accomplish rather difficult goals. Even quite confident people can find their confidence rattled if they’ve faced a setback in their goals.
However, this doesn’t mean that you stop setting goals. If you find yourself in a place where nothing seems to be going your way, and your self-confidence has plummeted as a result, try to set small, easily achievable goals.
For example, let’s say you’re struggling with your self-confidence during your weight loss journey. Instead of setting a goal of being in shape by a certain date, set small, daily goals that you can easily check off and feel proud of. Going for a ten-minute walk outside every day is one example.
3. Hang Out With Positive Friends
You shouldn’t think negatively. You also shouldn’t hang out with people who only speak about negative things. You shouldn’t feel drained and insecure after you spend time with your loved ones. If you do, it might be time to put a little distance between you and these negative people.
Instead, focus on hanging out with people who truly make you feel good and help to lift you up. Having close, stable friendships won’t just help your overall confidence. According to The American Journal of Psychiatry, these positive friends can also help you live a healthier lifestyle and even combat depression.
4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
It can be hard not to compare yourself to others. After all, if someone has the exact life you want, why wouldn’t you compare their life to all of your flaws? However, this line of thinking doesn’t help anyone.
In a study published on Science Direct, Jennifer K. Vrabel et al found that feeling envy can negatively impact your overall self-esteem. Instead of feeling jealous of other people’s lives, try to focus on what you’re grateful to have in your own life.
Social media can be incredibly detrimental to one’s confidence. We all know this. So, in moments when your self-esteem is particularly low, try staying off of social media for a few hours, days, or even weeks.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Finally, to help improve your self-confidence immediately, it’s important to take care of yourself. By taking care of your body, you can also take care of your emotions and your mind.
Help your self-esteem by:
● Getting Enough Sleep: Sleep around eight hours a night. Always ensure you get enough sleep. In a NIH study, Sakari Lemola et al found that properly sleeping every night can help people feel more confident and more optimistic in their waking lives.
● Eat Healthy: Ensure you’re eating full, healthy meals. A BMC Public Health study found that kids who eat healthier have greater confidence. So, why would it be any different for adults?
● Exercise Regularly: On days when you’re really struggling with your confidence, make sure you get moving. Regular exercise can help improve your mood and eliminate stress, as well as help you feel more confident in your body.
Reach out to Core3 today and schedule a complimentary consultation to learn about how we can help you build greater self-confidence.