In today’s social media-dominated world of airbrush photos and digital filters, we are bombarded with images of beautiful people with flawless skin and perfectly sculpted bodies. Often these images trigger feelings of discomfort and insecurities in our skin as we tend to compare ourselves with these illusions of perfection. When feeling low on self-confidence, here are five psychology-backed exercises that will make you feel more confident:
Strike a Powerful Pose
Studies have shown that striking a powerful pose for two minutes can increase testosterone and decrease cortisol levels in individuals. Increased testosterone levels result in increased confidence, and reduced cortisol results in reduced anxiety. With pressure reduced and an increase in testosterone, you will feel more confident.
Smile
According to “Grin and Bear It,” a Psychological Science study conducted in 2012, smiling is good for us whether it is authentic or not. The research showed lower heart rate and decreased stress in subjects made to smile naturally and artificially. So, the next time you are having a bad day or just feeling down, smile. The bottom line is smiling builds your confidence, and it makes you feel good.
Find a Confidence Boosting Friend
It is always good to have a shoulder to lean on when you are feeling down. It has been suggested by scientific studies that there is a boost in self-esteem and stress management in people with a social support system. Having someone to listen and give you positive encouragement will boost your confidence. So, whenever you are low on confidence, ask a friend to be your confidence booster and then reciprocate.
Listen to Heavy Bass Music
According to a Social Psychological and Personality Science study completed in 2014, high bass music can positively affect your confidence. The study’s finding demonstrated that listeners felt more powerful after listening to heavy-bass music than those who listened to music with low bass. The next time you are in need of a power boost, put on some heavy bass music to power you up. It will make you feel more confident.
Have an Alter-ego
Not everyone is a social butterfly. Some of us are sometimes shy. The American Sociological Association’s Social Psychology Quarterly published a study that shows that taking on an alter-ego can boost confidence and stamina. According to that study, mixed martial arts fighters use this technique when they are in the ring. Pretending to be someone else can help you feel more confident giving you the power to overcome obstacles.
For more tips and information about confidence-boosting exercises, visit the Hubspot website.
Girl Pow-R promotes positivity and confidence building in young women. To learn more, visit Girl Pow-R or email info(at)girlpow-r.com for more information.