How To Feel More Confident In 5 Steps

While some people may seem naturally more confident than others, the truth is confidence is a trait that takes a lot of effort to maintain. After all, our confidence is controlled by a range of both internal and external factors, which means it can fluctuate on a daily basis. 

Photo by Thomas Kilbride on Unsplash

However, there are specific steps you can follow to naturally build up your confidence over time. 

1. Show off your smile.

Various scientific studies have found that smiling more often increases our confidence. This is because when we smile, our body begins to release feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin – which are often linked to higher levels of confidence. 

As such, it’s essential that you smile as much as possible. Of course, this may seem easier said than done for those that are self-conscious about their smile. If this is the case, consider looking into ways to remedy this through dental treatments. For example, this Bliss Dental procedure could help to give you straighter, brighter teeth – meaning you’ll always find a reason to flash those pearly whites! 

2. Dress for yourself.

The clothes we wear can also impact our confidence levels. However, this does not mean that you have to wear the latest trends or high-end fashion to feel like the best version of yourself. Instead, you should learn to dress for yourself and not others. Wear clothes that you love, or feel the most comfortable in – and you’ll naturally begin to carry yourself with a little more confidence as a result.

Embracing your personal style is great for boosting self-esteem because it “allows us to express our individuality, showcase our uniqueness, and present ourselves authentically to the world.” Conversely, when we wear clothes because everyone else is wearing them, they may not be the most flattering, leading to self-consciousness and anxiety.

As such, if you’re considering upgrading your wardrobe, make sure you’re buying clothes that you love – instead of buying something because it’s popular or en-vogue. 

3. Practise positive affirmations. 

Practising positive affirmations each morning and evening can also be instrumental in building up your confidence while also providing you with 

hope during tough times. This is because it encourages you to become naturally more positive over time, which can help stop the cycle of negativity you feel toward yourself.

To begin, stand in front of the mirror and repeat 4-5 positive phrases about yourself. They do not necessarily have to be about your appearance. While it can feel a little silly, to begin with, the more you indulge in this hobby, the kinder you will become to yourself. In fact, it’s a great way to begin to recognise your true worth. 

4. Take a break from social media. 

Social media is one of the biggest confidence killers around. In fact, “60% of people using social media reported negative impacts on their self-esteem.” There are various reasons for this. Firstly, excessive filtering or the editing of photographs means that societal beauty standards are inescapable when scrolling through social media – and we’re constantly encouraged to compare ourselves to images that aren’t actually real. Furthermore, social media encourages us to compare ourselves to others – whether they’re posting about their personal relationships or professional success – which can also cause our own confidence levels to drop.

While it’s important to acknowledge that we only post our best moments on social media – meaning you’re unlikely to come across someone admitting they are having a bad day or bad time – taking a social media break can also work wonders for your mental health. This is because it can stop you from scrolling aimlessly while also showing you there’s a whole world to enjoy beyond your screen!  

5. Keep moving. 

Whether you’re going to hit the gym or work out at home, finding ways to increase your daily activity levels can also boost your confidence. This is because our body produces a range of most-boosting hormones when exercising, such as serotonin, which can lead to us feeling more positive and confident.

As low-confidence levels are often linked to mental health struggles, it’s also important that the link between exercise and improved mental health is not ignored. Even as little as fifteen minutes of daily exercise can transform your confidence.

Furthermore, regular exercise can help change the relationship you have with your body for the better. Beyond being a tool to lose weight, it can help you recognise just how strong and powerful your body is, which means you’ll naturally begin to carry yourself with greater confidence.