One aphorism that your ears are probably tired of hearing is that of: “Everything that has an advantage has a disadvantage.” But that is the thing with aphorisms: the truth they hold. And the truth is not something that fades from overuse.
One advantage of societal constructs is that they enable and enhance interpersonal interaction, thereby furthering the truth in the saying: “No man is an island.” However, with interpersonal interactions comes the problem of the perception of personalities becoming subject to popular opinion, and this breeds mental issues like the lack of self-confidence.
Self-confidence can be lost either through the temperament of an individual or pressure from society. Some temperaments are more susceptible to succumb to a lack of confidence than others. Whether it is lost or something you already have but want to maintain, it is very possible to be self-confident even when things are coming heatedly at you from all sides.
Amy Morin, a psychologist, and author defines self-confidence in an article – 5 Ways to Boost Your Self-confidence – as:
“…a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment.”
A great measure of self-confidence helps you achieve all-round success and fulfillment. Now, who does not want to have that?
As do most things, there are certain steps involved if you are looking towards building or improving self-confidence; and they are:
- Regular Exercise:
According to the article, Practical Ways to Improve your Confidence (and Why You Should) written by Eric Ravenscraft, and published on the New York Times website on June 3, 2019,
“The American Psychological Association has noted that exercise can improve your mood and — along with regular treatment and therapy — help combat depression and anxiety.”
Exercising also helps improve your fitness levels, upping your body image, which in overall boosts your confidence.
- Eating a balanced diet:
Nutritionist Resource, a comprehensive database of nutritionists in the UK, says in a post titled Confidence and Self-esteem, that:
“When it comes to confidence and self-esteem, considering your diet and making necessary changes can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost your mood, and in turn help you feel more confident.”
Carbohydrates, proteins, foods rich in Vitamin D, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, et al, help to boost the mood, and in extension your confidence. Speaking compendiously, having a temperate blend of these mood-boosting foods, and leaving out foods like sugar and alcohol, will feed the body with health and energy; with a combo like this, self-confidence is never far behind.
- Come out of Your Shell:
Everyone has a comfort zone: this place where they are most at peace, and where they can exercise a level of confidence and expertise. Most times, confidence achieved in this level flops when it goes out of the comfort zone resulting in a “fish out of water” experience. But like the saying: “practice makes perfect”, constantly trying out new things, things that you are not ordinarily used to will give you the self-confidence you need to face the rest of the world.