Well-being: how to strengthen self-confidence?

Buffeted by societal demands and preconceived notions, self-confidence is a delicate balance that can sometimes be difficult to maintain.

Excessive self-demand, self-blame, physical insecurities… By trying too hard to meet unattainable ideals, one quickly comes to lack self-esteem. Fortunately, according to psychotherapist Isabelle Filliozat (1), self-confidence develops and continuously evolves throughout an individual’s life. Self-confidence can therefore be regained.

What if we took advantage of the arrival of spring, a symbol of renewal and rebirth, to break free from our complexes and limiting beliefs?

LACK OF SELF-CONFIDENCE: OUR WORST ENEMY IS OURSELVES

Whether this reflection relates to physical appearance, professional success, or the role of mother or partner, it confronts us with a vision of ourselves as an unreachable ideal of perfection, causing feelings of failure, inadequacy, or even shame.

If you ever feel these kinds of feelings while “scrolling” on Instagram, it is probably time to clean up your subscriptions. Make sure you only follow inspiring accounts that bring you joy and make you laugh: there is no shortage of those! And never forget: Instagram is not real life…

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BODY TO REGAIN SELF-CONFIDENCE

Makeup, beauty: a frivolity?

Treating yourself to a moment of relaxation at the spa, a manicure, or spending an hour primping in the bathroom: these practices are often seen as vain and superfluous. Yet, like a superhero’s costume or an artist’s stage makeup, our physical appearance is an armor that allows us to face daily life with confidence.

A chosen reflection of our inner mood, the way we prepare ourselves reveals what we choose to show others, our way of presenting ourselves to the world around us. Having confidence in one’s appearance is a way to feel stronger: it is no coincidence that we pay special attention to our outfit when joining a new team or at a first meeting.

Taking care of your appearance is above all taking care of yourself. To reconnect with your self-esteem, do not skip the beauty and well-being step! Besides, spring is the perfect time to renew your skin…

 THE IMPORTANCE OF TOUCH TO LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF

To make peace with your appearance, you first need to learn to love your body. When comforting a loved one, we naturally use touch: we hug, hold, kiss. Why should our own body be any different?

Applying a cream, massaging a sore muscle, rubbing in a nourishing oil: these are all ways to show love to your body and accept it better.

At the spa or at home, show yourself love: pamper your skin, massage your body, enjoy the sensuality of a nourishing oil… And remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it is even essential to be able to care for those around you.

Interested in this topic? Also discover our article: Learning to be kind to yourself.

5 EXERCISES TO RECONNECT WITH SELF-CONFIDENCE:

1. Identify your comfort zones

It is often said that real life begins where our comfort zone ends… But that zone should not be overlooked. If perfection is not of this world, we all have areas where we show ease and talent. It is important to identify them, to be aware of them – these skills serve as a foundation to build self-confidence and self-love. Have you ever tried listing your 20 best qualities? If that seems too difficult, it means you need this exercise!

2. Identify your limiting beliefs

“I will never succeed,” “it’s impossible”… To uproot these deeply lodged ideas in our mind, you first have to identify them. So, pay close attention to fatalistic or self-deprecating thoughts. Pinpoint these thoughts and dig deeper: where do they come from? Chances are their source is a single event that you generalized. In any case, these beliefs only have the value you give them. It is up to you to question them.

3. Take time for yourself

Every day, make sure to take fifteen minutes for yourself. Yes, just for you. Set aside work, your children, your partner… Early in the morning or in the evening once all the day’s tasks are done, there is surely a free moment. Use this quiet time to make a gentle gesture towards yourself, something out of your daily routine. Why not give yourself a self-massage, or try some facial yoga movements?

4. Take stock and list your goals

While taking care of yourself, let your thoughts wander: what assessment do you make of the day, the month, or the past period? Step back and try to look at things objectively. What were your successes, what points need improvement? Take the opportunity to set some achievable goals that will help you feel good. For example: try mindfulness meditation, drink more water, start walking again… Stay realistic, and try to stick to your goal: the sense of accomplishment that will follow will be all the greater!

5. Congratulate yourself

We tend to focus so much on our flaws, failures, and shortcomings… What if, for once, you tried to focus on your successes? They are certainly there and far more numerous than you think. Savour them, share them with those around you, and try to give them as much importance as your failures. Both are part of life, and by considering them objectively, you will learn to handle them without harming your self-confidence.

(1) If you want to continue on this quest for self-confidence, this book by Isabelle Filliozat will set you on the path to full confidence.

Trust Yourself – Or How to Be Comfortable in Any Situation, Isabelle Filliozat, JC Lattès publishing.

Do you have other tips to share to boost your self-confidence? Join the Omnisens community on Instagram and on Facebook and feel free to share your experiences for #takecareandbewell!