Find Confidence Your Own Way

photo by Fan Ho

We just read a study about how when women feel more stressed, their skincare routines simplify. Not only that, but hair loss and breakouts are some of the top physical side effects of extreme stress. Add to that the impossible pressure placed on on our appearances, and we’ve got a rock and a hard place situation that’s hardly realistic and super unsustainable. There are so many things in modern society that benefit from destroying our confidence, it can be really tricky to take back control and appreciate ourselves simply for who we are.

From body confidence to how much we earn, self esteem in the modern world is often worked into every aspect of how the world sees us and not how we see ourselves. But every person is different and how we reclaim our confidence is equally as different. Here are three ideas to regain confidence in the person we truly are and not the person the world wants us to be.

The Physical Pick-Me-Up

From a local salon to med spas like https://diehlplastics.com/, changing up our appearance can have implications that extend beyond just how we look. Taking action feels empowering. It puts the power back in our hands - especially when we focus on what makes us feel beautiful and not what the latest beauty trends are. But that’s just addressing the surface - literally. A physical change offer more confidence and a shift in our perspective overall - but if we don’t do the work internally, it’s easy to backslide and fall into a pattern of thinking that physical changes can fix all feelings.

Spend Less Time On Social Media 

Comparison is the thief of joy and too few people recognize the devastating effect that media can have on our confidence. From highlight reels to photoshopped, pre-meditated photographs that have more to do with selling us something than sharing information or offering connection, social media has been proven time and time again to increase depression, anxiety, and lack of motivation.

Being surrounded by unattainable ‘inspiration’ brings down our mood, and makes us feel as though we are worth less than those who appear to be leading the perfect life in front of us. Spending less time on social media can remove a huge chunk of negativity from our day, and help you to focus on ourselves, the world around us that is within arm’s reach and our own achievements - rather than looking to others for direction. 

We like to set a timer of 1 hour per day, spread throughout the day in 20 minute increments. And no social media after 7 pm. That’s a tough one - but wow does it make a difference!

Meditation

Meditation can feel daunting to many, but it’s actually pretty simple and can take many forms - and can help in so many ways. Start by finding a quiet place, then focus on breathing and the weight of the body while trying to clear the mind of any intrusive thoughts. Acknowledging the thoughts and letting them pass by takes practice and we’re not to expect enlightenment overnight. But it can improve patience and also encourages a more balanced and impartial outlook that can aid us in handling stressful situations without involving ourselves too heavily on an emotional level. 

Plus, a little quiet time is never a bad thing. And in this day and age of information overload and instant responses, putting our peace first is almost an act of rebellion.