Feeling like you have lost your confidence can be such a devastating thing. Sometimes the process can seem like it comes out of nowhere, and sometimes it can be a long, slow process. And when you are in that place, it can feel like there is nothing that can help. The things that you used to enjoy become a challenge, and everyday tasks can become completely overwhelming. To make matters worse, it can feel like you can’t talk to anyone about how you’re doing because it feels like something that you should keep to yourself.
Let’s start by making one point abundantly clear. A lot of people feel like this from time to time, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with not feeling your best. However, if you have noticed that you feel like you have no confidence consistently and that it is starting to interfere with how you live your life, then some simple steps can get you back on track. Here are a few tips to help you regain control, get back out there, and feel more like yourself.
Start With The Little Things In Your Routine
When you feel like your confidence is slipping, you may notice that the little things you do to take care of yourself every day start getting missed. Things like eating breakfast and having a shower before work, for example. When you are in good form, these simple acts wouldn’t even be thought about. But those routines can make a real difference in how you feel about yourself. If you are finding them a struggle, then think about writing a list of the things that you need to do for yourself every day. It might seem a little silly to write “brush your teeth” in your daily planner, but it can help you to get results.
Look At Your Coping Mechanisms
There are a lot of ways that people deal with a loss of confidence, and they are not always as helpful as you might think. For example, many people like to have a drink to give them a bit of Dutch courage if they are heading out for an evening with a lot of people, or to unwind at the end of a long day. But alcohol is a depressant, and it can have the opposite effect of what you are going for. Additionally, it has a lot of empty calories, and if you are consistently using it as a coping mechanism, it can be extremely damaging in the long run. If you have found that the tools that you are using are making you feel worse, think about cutting back, or talk to a doctor about how you can cut them out entirely.
Address The Issues That Affect How You Feel About Yourself
Comparison is the thief of joy and in this Instagram age, there is no shortage of people who seem to be more attractive and successful than us. First off, remind yourself that it’s a performance and not real. Then there are filters! And if anything or anyone leaves you feeling anxious or inadequate that is a sign to mute.
And even so, there are always people who are worse off than us as well, especially if you think globally. In global terms, you are likely to be part of the lucky one percent.
Clean, pressed clothes and good grooming make everyone look better. Healthy white teeth and a good haircut will also elevate you. If you invest in anything cosmetic make it quality make-up, your teeth, or hair. Hair loss is a particularly difficult issue for women. Wigs and extensions can help or you can choose your hair loss treatment from a specialist.
Embrace what you see in the mirror. No one is perfect. Quiet confidence and self-acceptance really is the most attractive asset.
Keep Getting Out There
When you are struggling with your confidence, one of the toughest things can be getting out of the house. But doing so can help you to feel more like yourself and to take those first positive steps. For example, getting into a simple exercise routine can be a real boost to your mental health. It’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity a week, and that is easy enough to achieve if you plan it. Think about doing something easy like getting a brisk walk in either before or after work. You should also think about what kind of exercise you enjoy. You don’t need to go to the gym if the idea stresses you out, for example. And it is important that you try to maintain social contact with the people closest to you. Try to avoid shutting yourself off. Remember that there have been so many people who have been struggling with their mental health over the last few years and that your friends and family will be there to listen.