Summer’s just around the corner. We’re already seeing the temperature warming up and sunny days are stretching ahead.
Feeling confident at any time of the year can significantly enhance our quality of life, affecting everything from how we perform at work to how we socialise and manage stress. But as the days get longer and summer approaches, many of us are looking for ways to feel our best.
Confidence is not just about feeling good in your skin; it's about embracing your capabilities and presenting your true self to the world without fear. If you’re hoping to improve your confidence levels as the season changes, read on.
Why is self-confidence important?
Having confidence in yourself can help you to tackle stress and anxiety. Knowing our worth and being sure of ourselves means we are more likely to feel comfortable in our own skin.
Research from the University of Dundee reveals that human behaviours are: “…guided by how confident we feel in our abilities. When confidence does not reflect objective performance, this can impact critical adaptive functions and impair life quality.”
This research focuses on the connection between mental health and confidence. According to the findings, there was a link between low self-esteem and common mental health-related symptoms. With this in mind, it makes sense that the first way you can focus on your confidence levels is by zeroing in on your own mental state.
Healthy habits
A healthy body and mind are foundations of good confidence. When you feel good physically, it translates into greater mental energy and a positive outlook.
Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, known as happy hormones, which can improve mood and self-image. Also, eating well contributes to overall good health, which is reflected in your energy levels and physical appearance.
You might be taking vitamins too. It’s worth focusing on the ones you take. For instance, if you’re looking at hair growth, incorporating hair loss vitamins known to support hair health can improve your self-image. This, in turn, can enhance your confidence.
Good sleep is also crucial. It brings mental clarity and emotional regulation.
Mindset reset
Confidence starts in the mind. Negative self-talk and self-doubt can significantly impact how we feel about ourselves. So, the first step towards boosting your confidence – whether you’re prepping for summer or something else – is to shift your mindset to a more positive outlook.
You could try practising affirmations. These can reshape our thinking patterns and reduce the impact of negative thoughts. Start your day by affirming your worth with statements like "I am capable" or "I bring value."
Similarly, you could try spending a few minutes each day visualising yourself succeeding in various situations—this technique can increase your mental resilience and confidence.
Setting yourself small, manageable goals can lead to big wins. Whether it's learning a new skill or improving your physical health, setting and achieving goals can significantly boost your self-esteem. So, if your goal is to feel comfortable this summer, setting smaller targets to get there can help.
Style refresh
Updating your wardrobe for the new season can also be a great confidence booster. Wearing clothes that fit well and suit your personal style can be great all year round, but summer wear is often about bright, cheery colours that can boost your mood.
Cultivate supportive relationships
Surround yourself with your biggest cheerleaders. The people around us can have a big impact on our self-confidence. Friends and family who will lift you up are exactly what you need.
Invest time in relationships that make you feel good about yourself. Also, whether it's a sports team, reading club, or a volunteer group, try joining something new. The warmer weather can often give you an energy boost and being part of a community can add to your sense of belonging and self-worth.
