5 ways to boost confidence

If your confidence had taken a bit of a knock or you’re feeling a little self-conscious check out our 5 ways to boost confidence

1. Make a list
Write down all the things you’ve achieved this month, no matter how big or small. Pin the list up somewhere you can see it every day and revel in the sense of achievement.

2. Have a mini makeover
If body confidence is the issue, take some time out to pamper yourself. Book a spa day or have a pamper evening at home and turn your bathroom into a spa. It’s amazing what a relaxing bath, polished nails and blow-dried hair can do to lift your mood.

3. Surround yourself with positive people
Looking on the bright side may sound naf, but positivity can play an important part in your health. According to the Mayo Clinic studies show that optimism and pessimism can affect many areas of your health and wellbeing – and can particularly affect stress management. And getting positive vibes from others can help to push your brain into a positive zone too. Spend some time with the friends you know will always see the glass half full. Find out if any of your friendships are toxic here.

4. Compliment yourself
Write down your favourite things about yourself, whether that’s your hair, your sense of humour, your fashion sense or your toned tum. Write them down as compliments to yourself – ‘you’ve got great hair’ – and pin them on the mirror where you’ll see them every morning.

5. Do something good
Being selfless and looking after others has been shown to have a positive effect on your self-esteem. According to the Mental Health Foundation, evidence shows that helping others can have a positive effect on your mental health and wellbeing – it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness. Try one of these race ideas for size. Or sign up to help out at a local homeless shelter, volunteer to help older people at a hospice or through a meal service or volunteer at a centre for young people. Helping others in need is guaranteed to put your own problems into perspective. Check out volunteering.org.uk for opportunities near you.