We all have days when we don’t feel great. Sometimes, it can be because you feel tired or run down. Other days, you may feel like you’re not looking your best. There are many different factors, which can influence our confidence levels. For many of us, our appearance has a major role to play. Do you suffer from low self-esteem? Do you have body confidence issues? If so, here are some confidence-boosting tips that actually work.
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Work out possible causes of low confidence levels
It’s normal to have days when you feel a bit below par. Have you over-indulged at the weekend? Are you fretting about a spot that has appeared from nowhere? Or have you slacked off your gym routine of late? If so, it’s understandable to feel a little less confident than usual. What;s not healthy is experiencing a crisis of confidence on a regular basis. If you suffer from low levels of confidence over a prolonged period of time, it’s a good idea to try and pin down some possible causes. Everyone is different, but here are some common reasons why you may lack confidence.
Poor body image
Body image is an issue that affects the vast majority of us. If you surveyed a room full of people, it’s very likely that only a few would say that they’re happy with their body. Most people can identify at least a few flaws they’d like to correct if given the chance. Even the people we think are incredibly beautiful may sometimes have days when they feel unattractive. Unfortunately, we live our lives through a lens today, and we’re more critical of ourselves as a result. One unflattering photograph can make you feel down for the rest of the day. We’re under scrutiny from friends, social media followers, and people we’ve never even met. Many of us have Instagram and Facebook accounts, which subject us to images of beautiful bodies on a daily basis. Even if you’re relatively happy with your body shape, it’s human nature to make comparisons. Most of us are likely to fall short compared to celebrities and swimsuit models.
Perception of beauty
Everyone’s perception of beauty is different. But there are societal trends, which present us with a universal picture of what beauty constitutes. In reality, most people don’t look like the girls on the cover of magazines. Most of us don’t have perfectly straight white teeth or bouncy, shiny locks. If you don’t fit the mold, this may cause you to lack confidence.
Bullying
Bullying is one of the most common causes of low self-esteem. Things people say to you can stay with you for a lifetime and affect the way you feel about yourself and others. Often, even the most flippant comments can touch a nerve if you’re already scarred. Perhaps you were bullied for being overweight at school, or you used to be teased about having a birthmark or buck teeth. Bullying is often associated with the playground. But the effects can be long-lasting. Many adults who have confidence issues were bullied as children.
Fear of failure
There’s a certain level of expectation that comes with living in the modern world. The reality is that many of won’t hit the dizzy heights of fame and fortune. For some of us a fear of failure holds us back and shatters our self-esteem. If you lack confidence in your abilities, you’re less likely to give things a shot and take risks.
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Boosting your confidence
There are all kinds of methods and techniques, which can be employed to help raise confidence levels. Often, the key is identifying the issue and finding suitable solutions. Here are just a few tips, which may prove beneficial.
Exercise
Exercise is not just about getting in shape and flaunting a perfectly toned beach body. Yes, it can help you to lose weight and tone up. But there are so many more benefits to enjoy. One important outcome of regular exercise is increased confidence. Not only do you feel more confident in your own skin when you’re happier with your body shape. But you also feel better in yourself. Exercising releases endorphins, happy hormones, which is why you feel great after a workout. It also increases your levels of serotonin, which lifts your mood. If you suffer from body image problems, exercise is particularly beneficial. If you stick to an exercise program, you’ll soon notice changes. You’ll also find that you sleep better, and you generally feel much more positive and energetic.
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Healthy eating
If you have confidence issues related to your weight or your skin, healthy eating can have a really positive impact. Focus on eating foods that are beneficial for your body and cut out processed, fatty, sugary foods. Hit your 5-a-day and you’ll soon notice a difference. It’s not just about losing weight. It’s also about feeling good and looking after yourself. Check out http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/quick-and-healthy for healthy recipe ideas.
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Targeted treatments
Do you have low confidence because you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks? Have you got a visible birthmark, which makes you feels uncomfortable around others? Are you conscious of acne scarring? These are common problems, which can make people feel unhappy about their appearance. The good news is that there are almost always solutions for cosmetic issues. If you dream of a stunning smile, ask your dentist about cosmetic dental treatments or modern orthodontics. If you’ve worried about acne scarring, do some research into skin treatments and specialist skin care products. If you have a birthmark, it may be possible to reduce the visibility. Have a look at birthmarkremovalcream.com for more information. If you do have specific concerns, which are holding you back, don’t suffer in silence. You’ll probably be amazed at what a difference a simple treatment or remedy can make.
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Positive thinking and self-belief
It may sound simple, but it’s unwise to underestimate the power of positive thinking. When you get up in the morning, focus on having a good day. Be productive, keep busy and set yourself goals. Try not to compare yourself to others and focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
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Confidence issues shouldn’t be ignored. It’s normal to have off days, but if you struggle with low confidence all the time, this isn’t good for you. Try and work out why you lack confidence and then identify solutions. Be positive, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and give yourself a break. Nobody is perfect.
