Somewhere amidst the constant hustle of juggling long hours at work, unreliable public transportation, working out and a social life, burnout can cause even the most confident person to feel insecure and lose self-esteem. It seems like there isn’t time to be anything but perky and cheerful or else everything falls apart. Here to help are six 20-minute plans that’ll give your confidence bank a much-needed boost.
1. Turn off your phone and stay away from the Internet. I recently did a weekend detox from all things tech and emerged on Monday feeling lighter, more self-aware, and ready to take on the world. I find this simple challenge quite invigorating; it eliminates the compulsive impulse to check my phone every two minutes.
2. Just do it. Whatever is causing your current anxiety or insecurity, chances are, you’re ready for it. Remind yourself that we’re handed challenges because we’re capable of them. Making a big presentation, deciding to move across the country—these are risky moments presented to us in life because we want whatever comes next. So don’t think too much, just do it.
3. Exercise: Whether it’s CrossFit, yoga or SoulCycle, get your booty to the nearest gym and break a sweat. It’s scientifically proven to make you feel better thanks to those endorphins. Better yet, go outside! Running, walking, hiking and biking are all great workouts because the physical act of moving forward in one direction trains your brain into thinking you’re actually going somewhere.
4. Adjust your posture and smile: Slumping and slouching are enemies of positivity. I find that I can be sitting at a computer working on a project for hours, and when I finally sit back, I realize my body is aching and my face is tense from not smiling. Fix that before you look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame!
5. Jot down a list of all the things that have been positive in the past week or month: It’s important to reflect on your past (but recent) successes in order to motivate you for the present and future. You know what they say, an object in motion stays in motion…
6. Make something: Remember macramé at summer camp? Woodshop class in middle school? The joy of fashioning an item with your bare hands brings out your inner creative spirit. Concentrating on an art project or creation of any kind is a satisfying task. If art isn’t your thing, perhaps cooking a quick, healthy meal is your equivalent. You’ll boost your confidence by achieving these small, creative goals and letting your imagination run wild.
What’s your secret to staying confident on the daily? Share your tips with us in the comments below.
