IF confidence is something you find yourself lacking in, then you’re not alone.
However, with International Women’s Day on March 8, there’s no better time to boost your self-esteem.
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Research by Blistex has previously found the way a woman looks, alongside her work and social life, are three of the major triggers of lack of confidence, with Dove research suggesting that a tiny 20% of British women surveyed admitted to actually being happy with the way they looked.
It makes for sad reading, but there are a multitude of easy ways you can help give your confidence a little makeover.
How? We asked some of our favourite female influencers to share their top confidence boosting tips.
Ladies, get ready to feel your best…
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- Choose your lingerie wisely
We all have a particular item in our wardrobe that we really like to wear, so I would put that on.
If however you can’t wear it on that day, maybe put some nice lingerie on which could be your little sexy secret, as it’s not visible to anyone; you will feel beautiful, confident and powerful knowing it’s underneath your clothes.
2. The sexy exercise
Becoming comfortable in my own skin wasn’t an easy journey for me!
But I got there eventually.
Start with a simple daily exercise with your mirror.
Every time you walk past a mirror say: ‘Hey Sexy’ to yourself and watch what happens!!
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3. Make a pamper pact
I made a pamper pact with myself to make sure that every week I have a pamper day.
So, I go for the full works: hair mask, face mask, bubble bath, scrub, shave, moisturise, tan (and more tan).
I do it all at home so I’m not spending a bomb and always feel 10/10 the day after and I get that glow back.
4. Channel your inner sassy kid
I used to be one hell of a sassy child and really, we only become more aware and less confident as we become adults because we’re worried about people’s perceptions of us.
So I try to remember this and treat my day and mood like a kid would, seeing the fun and excitement in everything.
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5. Put pen to paper
Try positive self talk. Write down three things you love about yourself (if you find this impossible, get your best friend to do it for you) and put them next to your bed.
Read them several times when you wake up, before you do, think, read or feel anything else.
6. Lift someone else
Do something everyday to help boost someone else’s confidence.
Sometimes it’s easier to believe in someone else over yourself, so go out of your way to lift someone else and show them how great THEY are and that positive energy will come back to you.
7. Step out your comfort zone
If you lack confidence at doing something new, then force yourself to tackle it head on.
It’s good to feel scared, challenged or uncomfortable sometimes.
Embrace those feelings knowing that this is when growth happens.
Dr Pepper it baby, what’s the worst that can happen?
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8. Sort a get-together
There is nothing more powerful to give you that pep talk and confidence boost then squad goals.
Grab your ladies for brunch and be one another’s hype girls.
There’s no problem too big that can’t be solved over baked eggs, avocado and a side of serious sisterhood!
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9. Just dance
Sometimes, I put a song on and just let my body move in a way that feels silly but makes me laugh.
Not all movement has to be perfect or goal oriented.
10. Switch your language
I try to avoid saying negative words such as ‘don’t’, ‘not’ and ‘can’t’ and work the sentence to include positive words and connotations.
It’s a great way of rephrasing not only how you talk to your friends and colleagues, but also how you talk to yourself.
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11. Wake up with a smile
When you smile – even when you’re not in the best of moods – it helps trick your mind into thinking you’re happy.
Basically, fake it till you make it!
Plus, smiling and laughing releases serotonin, a happy hormone, while also helping to reduce stress.
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12. Dress to impress – but not necessarily for others.
One of the biggest things I do, judge me if you want, but I do my hair, pop a bit of make-up on, get my favourite gym outfit and kicks on, and get ready to face the world; it’s like my war paint – if I’m feeling good, I’m ready to do the thing in the gym!
13. Daily affirmations
As our perception of our bodies can fluctuate day to day (hello hormones!), it’s important to big yourself up with daily affirmations.
As long as you’re doing your best, feeling good, allow the rest to follow!
I like: “I am grateful for the opportunity to move my body, I am doing my best, I am strong.”
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14. Dress for your shape
If you’ve got strong legs and a bum but can’t find anything that would fit both your waist and bottom half, get yourself a pair of high waisted flares in a 7/8th length.
They are super flattering, comfortable and they make me feel sexy!
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15. Earn it
Nothing can replace simply ‘doing the work.’
Your confidence will improve the more time you put into practice, preparation, and work.
Put in the hours, earn your stripes, do the work, and the confidence will come.
I’d say whatever the goal, whether it be work, public speaking, negotiating, running, competing in sport; the same rule applies.
Your confidence will improve the more you put in the work and prepare.
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16. Don’t save it up
Stop saving your favourite items, clothing and make-up for special days; everyday that we get to live is special, so wear your favourite things and feel your best all day.
17. Set priorities
Determine your non-negotiables because prioritising yourself and knowing what is important to you will boost your self care and self love, in turn making you feel better about yourself.
Mine are: move my body daily, breathwork or meditation and get outside.
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18. It’s all about the music
Put on your favourite female artist when you’re getting ready for the day or in the evening. Turn it up and sing along.
You can even go all out and use your hairbrush as a microphone!
I can recommend Beyoncé’s I Am… Sasha Fierce for all the feminine empowerment feels!
