Try a few proven strategies to improve your confidence now and set yourself up for sunnier times ahead
Susannah Hickling is twice winner of the Guild of Health Writers Best Consumer Magazine Health Feature
Big yourself up
Rather than focusing on the negatives, make an effort to recognise your plus points. Make a list of the things you like about yourself—for instance, how you help others or make people laugh—and of compliments people pay you. Refer to it when you’re doubting your worth. And if you ever find yourself criticising yourself, stop and ask yourself, “Would I say that to a friend?”.
Give yourself a mini-makeover
One thing that’s easy to do is change your appearance and summer’s the time to do it! It’s amazing how good a new dress, a haircut, or having your teeth whitened or your nails done can make you feel. Even a humble shower and a shave can give your self-image a lift. Always stand tall—just looking confident will help you feel more confident.
Make plans with positive people
Leave behind the moaners and the ones who put you down. If that’s not possible, see them less and instead seek out people with a glass-half-full mentality. A meta-analysis of 48 studies published by the American Psychological Association in 2019 found positive social relationships had a beneficial effect on self-esteem but poor-quality relationships had a negative effect. Actively arrange to meet them, as having fun with great people will make you feel better about yourself.
Try something new
Getting out of your comfort zone will give you a sense of achievement and help your self-belief. Always fancied paddleboarding? It’s the right season for it! Would you like to paint better? Look around for an art class. You’ll get to meet like-mi
