Many people lack the confidence to apply for their dream job, stay away from toxic people, or even strike up a conversation with strangers. They let their self-doubt and low self-esteem prevent them from achieving their goals. However, letting these negative emotions consume you will only make things worse. This can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy where you believe you are not good enough, so you don’t even try.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can change how you think and feel about yourself by making certain lifestyle changes. Here are five habits you can start adapting today that will help boost your confidence and self-esteem:
1. Get Enough Sleep
Up to 35.2% of all adults in the U.S. only get less than seven hours of sleep every night. And yet, experts recommend that you need eight hours of rest to feel your best the next day. When sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to be irritable and anxious. You might also find it hard to concentrate or make decisions. All of these can take a toll on your confidence.
Start by making sure you’re getting enough shut-eye every night. Aim for seven at the very least if you can’t get eight hours. Consider changing your sleep habits, such as reducing caffeine or establishing a bedtime routine.
It would help if you could take power naps in the middle of the day to catch some sleep. Just make sure not to sleep for more than 30 minutes, so you don’t feel groggy afterwards.
2. Surround Yourself With Positive and Supportive People
The people you surround yourself with greatly influence how you see yourself and the world around you. When you’re around positive people who support you and believe in you, you can’t help but feel good about yourself too. So choose your friends and associates wisely—those who build you up rather than tear you down—and watch your confidence soar as a result!
Think about the people who make you feel good about yourself, and spend more time with them. You don’t necessarily have to cut ties with those who bring you down but try to limit your interactions with them. For instance, if there is a certain loved one who does nothing but belittles you every time you are with them, try to reduce your interactions. Doing so can give your confidence a much-needed boost.
Do the exact opposite with the supportive and positive people in your life. Make sure to spend more time with them, whether going out for coffee or taking a walk in the park. These interactions will help fill you with positivity and make you feel good about yourself.
3. Practice Positive Self-talks
When was the last time you said something about yourself that made you feel good? If you can’t remember, it’s time to start practicing positive self-talk.
Positive self-talk is all about speaking kindly and lovingly to yourself—something many people are often guilty of not doing. You are usually your own worst critic, constantly nitpicking at yourself and finding faults where there are none. This negative self-talk can quickly lead to feelings of low self-worth and self-doubt.
To start practicing positive self-talk, make it a point to say at least one positive thing about yourself each day. It can be something as simple as “I am smart,” “I am beautiful,” or “I am worthy.” When feeling down, tell yourself things you would usually say to a friend who needs some advice. This will help train your brain to start thinking more positively about yourself, which can, in turn, help improve your confidence.
You can also try keeping a journal and writing down positive things about yourself daily. Doing so will help you keep track of your progress and see how much your self-talk will change over time.
4. Take Your Dental Health Seriously
You might not think your dental health has anything to do with your confidence level, but it actually does. People unhappy with their smiles are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem. Many people even consider having a great smile to be an asset.
So, take oral care seriously and keep up with regular dental checkups and cleaning. If one of your insecurities is your crooked smile or yellowish teeth, your dentist can help you figure out the best way to address those concerns. For instance, they may suggest getting braces or whitening treatments.
If you have a gap between your teeth, especially in your front teeth, you may want to replace your missing tooth. Some options, like dental implants and bridges, can help replace the tooth and give you a complete smile again. The important thing is that you find a reputable dental clinic with experienced dentists specializing in restorative dentistry to get the procedure done.
Achieving optimal dental health is essential for your overall health and can improve your confidence and self-esteem. Investing in your teeth means you no longer need to hide your smile when you talk or laugh. You will find it easier to talk to people, show off your skills, and even sell yourself during interviews, knowing there is nothing to be insecure about your pearly whites.
5. Invest In Your Wardrobe
Having a well-fitting and stylish wardrobe can do wonders for your confidence. It will show in your demeanor and how you carry yourself if you feel good about how you look. People will also be more likely to take you seriously and see you as a confident individual.
Start by eliminating clothes that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in years. Then, invest in key pieces that will make you look and feel your best. A well-fitting pair of pants, a stylish blazer, or a flattering dress can make all the difference.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your wardrobe, but make sure that the clothes fit well and make you feel good about yourself. You will feel more confident when you look good—it’s as simple as that!
Making even small changes in your lifestyle can have a big impact on your confidence levels. By taking care of yourself physically and mentally, you can start feeling better about yourself and improve your overall confidence. So, don’t wait—start making changes today!
