How to Build Confidence and Self-Love

Are you struggling with your confidence? As someone who has struggled with low self-esteem, I understand. Confidence is something we all struggle with from time to time, so no need to feel ashamed. Self-doubt and insecurity can easily take over, but cultivating confidence in oneself can be a transformative journey. Let’s discuss some tips for boosting confidence and self-love.

The thing about having low confidence and low self-esteem is that it can sometimes stem from other people. Normally, beginning in childhood, people can project how they feel about themselves onto you, and as a child, you believe it. From here on out, let’s not listen to what other people say.

Take care of yourself

Prioritize self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. This can include exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, reading, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Neglecting all the parts of your body will start to reflect on the outside. Believe it or not, your appearance is a reflection of how you view yourself.

The way I look is something that I take pride in. Engaging in grooming, hygiene, and dressing in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident can positively impact your self-image. When you take pride in your appearance, you’re more likely to feel good about yourself and project confidence in your interactions with others.

Practice positive body language

Stand tall, make eye contact, and use open and confident body language. Even if you don’t feel confident initially, adopting these physical cues can help you feel more confident internally. Don’t be so closed off to people because it screams low self-esteem. Instead, look people directly in the eyes when speaking to them. Acknowledge them when they are talking, including head nods and responses.

Surround yourself with positive people

Constantly being around a Debbie downer can take a toll on your mental health. Debbie downers normally have a negative view of themselves and the world, which if you allow it, will eventually rub off on you. Surround yourself with people who will only speak life into you, compliment you, and not drain your energy or view of yourself and the world. When you constantly hear positivity you live in positivity and spread it.

Challenge negative self-talk

Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself and challenge any negative or self-limiting beliefs. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations and reminders of your strengths and abilities. Not only must you speak positively to others, but most importantly, you must speak positivity unto yourself. When you catch yourself in negative self-talk, immediately replace it with positive self-talk.

Related: 8 Key Signs of a Truly Confident Woman

Always act confident

Even when you don’t feel the most confident, it’s important to act like it. Playing the part is what gets you the role. It’s important to remember perception is reality. People often judge you based on how you present yourself. Acting confidently can influence others’ perceptions of you, potentially leading them to see you as competent, capable, and reliable, even if you’re feeling uncertain or insecure internally.

Fix your posture

Slouching can sometimes look like low self-esteem. Posture is a form of nonverbal communication that can convey confidence or lack thereof. Research suggests that posture can not only affect your mood but it can also affect your self-perception. Good posture promotes better circulation and breathing, leading to increased energy levels and mental alertness.

When you feel physically better, you’re more likely to exude confidence in your actions and interactions with others. Confident posture can enhance your social interactions by making you appear more approachable, assertive, and engaging. People are naturally drawn to individuals who carry themselves with confidence, which can lead to more positive social experiences and interactions.

Don’t compare yourself to others

There’s a saying that goes “Comparison is the thief of joy”, and it is true. When you realize that everyone was made differently and that not everyone’s journey or life is supposed to be the same, then you will be content with your journey. Psychologist Leon Festinger believed that we engage in this comparison process to establish a benchmark by which we can make accurate evaluations of ourselves.

Every person is unique, with their own set of talents, strengths, weaknesses, and life circumstances. Comparing yourself to others disregards your individuality and can lead to feelings of inadequacy or superiority, neither of which is conducive to personal growth or confidence.

Comment below some more ways that help you become more confident. Thanks for reading!