Beat the Blues: 5 Ways to Boost Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Expert studies have found that about 85% of people suffer from low self-esteem. Such feelings can impact nearly every facet of a person’s life, affecting their relationships, careers and overall happiness.
While many environmental and genetic factors can exacerbate and encourage low confidence, there are ways to beat the blues.
Here, we’ll explain five different methods to up your self-esteem and boost self-confidence.
What Is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is the opinion you have of yourself; confidence is the belief you have in yourself. The two are intricately linked.
Those with low self-esteem will typically suffer from low confidence issues, expecting failure and less of themselves than they should.
5 Ways to Boost Self-Confidence
With the media consistently telling women they’re not thin enough and men they need more muscles, it’s no wonder more teenagers than ever are suffering from anxiety and confidence issues.
But there are ways to overcome the negative feelings and learn to love yourself, your life and the world.
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Make a Positivity List
One of the most common symptoms of those who lack confidence is an unwillingness to believe they possess unique, beautiful characteristics.
This belief system was made public through Dove’s Real Beauty Sketches campaign, in which an FBI-trained forensic artist drew portraits of women as they described themselves, then drew their portrait according to what they actually looked like. The results were a startling revelation that demonstrated how individuals are their own worst critics.
Make a list of all the traits you consider to be your positive ones (keep in mind intrinsic traits, such as humor). Next, ask people you are comfortable around what they like most about you.
Read the list every day to remind yourself of all the wonderful characteristics you encompass.
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Exercise
Exercising increases your endorphins, which make you happy. Further, many studies indicate it increases self-esteem, possibly because of the link between body image and low self-confidence. It literally makes you love yourself more.
Believe it or not, exercising doesn’t have to be horrible. Find something you like to do. Whether it’s rowing, running or just taking daily walks, there’s sure to be at least one exercise you’ll enjoy.
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Do Scary Things
Exposure to things that frighten us is actually beneficial. It teaches our bodies how to respond appropriately, which is why it’s such a useful technique in therapy.
Expose yourself to something that makes you uncomfortable at least once a week. Continual positive exposure allows your brain to associate new adventures with favorable outcomes, making you more confident in every arena of your life.
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Alter Your Thoughts
Every time you have a negative thought about yourself, ask why. Hunting for the root cause (which oftentimes leads to understanding there is no real connection) allows you to stamp out negative thoughts or understand why they originate.
Further, whenever you think or feel something negative about yourself, mention two positive characteristics you have. This reprograms the brain to boost your confidence.
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Create a Positive Environment
Sometimes, environments can be toxic. Take a hard look at the people around you and your living style. Many times, low self-esteem originates or is encouraged by people you speak to, your childhood, your perception of control over your environment and your interactions within it.
Take steps to eliminate negative influences.
Beat the Blues
It’s time to beat the blues into submission and boost self-confidence. While these small tips are actions you can start today, also consider saving money for a vacation. Family vacations are a great way to spur happiness, and happiness fosters confidence.
In the meantime, continue saving those dimes and quarters and begin practicing these tips to increase your confidence. The path to a happier, confident life begins today!
