Steps To Feel More Confident In Your Own Skin

Studies suggest that body image is a concern for most of us, with the number of people who are unhappy with their appearance increasing year on year. In this guide, we’ll explore some simple steps you can take to boost confidence and feel happier and more comfortable in your own skin.

Avoid comparisons

One of the most significant changes in society is the introduction of social media, 24-hour news outlets and video platforms. We have been exposed to images that depict perfection and represent beauty for decades, but today, it is virtually impossible to escape glossy magazine spreads, billboards, TV and online adverts and social feeds packed with pictures. Human beings are naturally competitive creatures, and it’s in our nature to compare and contrast. Sometimes, it can be positive to see what other people are doing and interact and engage with them, but it can also be a negative experience. Comparing yourself to others can make you feel self-conscious or uneasy and it may even make you feel worthless or unattractive.

If you find yourself scrolling through endless images and wondering why you don’t look like the models, celebrities and influencers you’re looking at, try to reduce screen time and avoid making comparisons. Everyone is different and it’s helpful to recognize that your uniqueness is a strength. It’s also important to remember that images are often edited or enhanced, and they provide a snapshot of life, rather than an authentic representation.

Work on issues that contribute to a lack of confidence

We all have hang-ups and parts of our bodies or facial features that we like more than others. If you suffer from a lack of confidence, it is possible to improve self-esteem by working on issues that affect your confidence. Maybe you’d like to have a more toned tummy, you don’t like wearing vests or camis in the summer because you’re conscious about a tattoo you regret, or you feel like you look big. There are solutions, from natural tattoo removal to using exercise and a healthy, balanced diet to lose weight or tone up. It’s so important to make sure that you make changes to your body or the way you look because you want to. You should never feel pressured to be a certain size or to look different. If you want to tackle issues that are holding you back or making you feel less confident, set yourself manageable targets and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or advice. Working with a personal trainer or a dietitian, for example, is a great way to improve your diet and increase your activity levels.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is a buzzword at the moment. The aim of self-care is to take better care of yourself to boost mental and physical health. In many cases, there is room for improvement when it comes to looking after yourself. We tend to spend a lot of time caring for others or making sure we cross boxes and complete tasks at work. If your health is on the backburner, start putting your wellbeing first. Make time for exercise, ensure that you take time out to rest and recover, adopt a sleep routine and treat yourself to the occasional massage, bubble bath or weekend away with your friends. Eat well, spend more time with people you love doing things you enjoy and try to be kind to yourself. Most of us are tough on ourselves and we put ourselves down. Treat yourself like you do your closest friends. Be ambitious and motivated but give yourself a break and recognize and celebrate your strengths.

Understand that nobody is perfect

Many of us have an image or perception of perfection when it comes to the way we look, how we behave and what we achieve in our lives. The truth is that nobody is perfect. Despite what you see on social media or fashion magazines, perfection doesn’t exist. Everyone has confidence issues from time to time and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There are many versions of beauty, and everyone should be able to have their own ideas. It’s also essential to understand that looking a certain way isn’t the only marker of success. There are myriad factors that make up a beautiful person. Imperfections, flaws and quirks are what make us interesting, unique and special. Accept that perfection as you perceive it doesn’t exist, and work on being the best version of yourself that you can be.

Most of us have days when we don’t feel incredible or periods in our lives when we feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. If you have low self-esteem, or you long to be more confident, there are ways to build confidence. Give yourself a break, stop comparing yourself to others, address issues that are holding you back and understand that nobody is perfect.