Taking Care of Your Body to Increase Self-Confidence
It’s hard to feel good about yourself if you’re abusing your body. On the other hand, if you practice self-care, you know you're doing something positive for your mind, body, and spirit, and you'll naturally feel more confident. Here are a few self-care practices linked to higher levels of self-confidence:
Diet. Eating well comes with many benefits, including higher levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. When you fuel your body with the right foods, you feel healthier, stronger, and more energized, which can result in feeling better about yourself.
Exercise. Studies consistently show physical activity boosts confidence. A 2016 study found that regular physical activity improved participants’ body image. And when their body image improved, they felt more confident.[5]
Meditation. Experts say that meditation can help boost self-confidence in several ways. For one, it helps you to recognize and accept yourself. Meditation also teaches you to stop negative self-talk and disconnect from any mental chatter interfering with your self-confidence.
Sleep. Skimping on sleep can take a toll on your self-esteem, whereas good, quality sleep has been linked with positive personality traits, including optimism and self-esteem.[6]
At some point everyone will experience struggles with self-confidence. But if your self-confidence struggles interfere with your work, social life, or education, you should consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Sometimes, low self-confidence stems from a bigger issue, like a traumatic event from the past. At other times, it might be a symptom of a mental health challenge.
If you or a loved one are struggling with self-confidence, LifeWays is here 24/7. The first step is to call our Access/Crisis Phoneline at 1 (800) 284-8288.
Hope and help begin at LifeWays.
For related self-confidence boosting articles, see our Boost Your Self-Confidence post.
Sources:
[5] Zamani Sani SH, Fathirezaie Z, Brand S, et al. Physical activity and self-esteem: testing direct and indirect relationships associated with psychological and physical mechanisms. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016;12:2617–2625. doi:10.2147/NDT.S116811
[6] Lemola S, Räikkönen K, Gomez V, Allemand M. Optimism and self-esteem are related to sleep. Results from a large community-based sample. IntJ Behav Med. 2013;20(4):567-571. doi:10.1007/s12529-012-9272-z
Verywell mind Amy Morin, LCSW 5 Ways to Build Your Self-Confidence. 01-11-2021