Boost Your Confidence to Feel Beautiful Inside and Out

Never underestimate the power of a good outfit. If the clothes that you're in make you feel good about yourself, they're right for you. Let go of the idea that certain clothes are for certain people and wear what makes you feel like yourself. Rock those skinny jeans, dresses, or anything else you'd like, and let the feelings of confidence wash over you.

When you smile, you make the people around you feel good too. Smiling and laughter can help boost your mood, even when you have to force it or fake it a bit, thanks to the dopamine release it triggers. Smiling and laughing also make you more approachable, which, in turn, makes you feel more confident and attractive when you realize the effect you have on others.

If you don't have a hobby or passion, now's the time to start. People who pursue their passions tend to feel more confident and secure in themselves because they're doing something they love. It gives a sense of accomplishment and self-worth, and, as these feelings grow, you're left feeling better about yourself. That confidence boost can go a long way in improving how you see yourself.

Instead of constantly focusing on other people to justify your self-worth, take some time to treat yourself. Take an evening to unwind and do some hobbies you've been missing, or, every once in a while, buy yourself that special something you've been eyeing. Yes, it's also okay to eat that occasional brownie or slice of cake! Recognizing that you deserve to be treated and rewarded will help boost your confidence. You deserve it!

Sometimes, the reason you don't feel confident or beautiful has more to do with the people surrounding you than with yourself. If the people around you tear you down instead of build you up, it may be time to remove them from your life. Instead, prioritize spending time with people who make you feel good, and say goodbye to those who make you question your self-worth.

When you don't sleep enough, your mood can take a serious hit. Not only that, lack of zzz's wears on your body because you aren't giving it enough time to repair itself overnight. This manifests in a lot of internal symptoms but also external signs like dull skin and dark circles under your eyes. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly will keep your mind sharp and boost your mood while also helping you look your best.

It turns out the old adage "fake it until you make it" has some truth to it. Much like making yourself laugh or smile, when you stand or sit up straight, your body feels more confident and comfortable, even if it takes a little bit to adjust.

Good posture can help you feel more at home in your body, while also giving you a stronger core. Hold your head up straight, chin just slightly tucked, and elongate that spine, and you'll start feeling better in no time.

Exercise has a twofold effect on your confidence and perceived beauty. Not only does it help you feel fitter and, over time, change your body composition, but it also improves how you're feeling mentally. Just 30 minutes of moderate movement three times a week can help your mood improve, and seeing your fitness progress can be a huge confidence booster as you meet new milestones.

Spending the time to keep yourself well-groomed can help boost your confidence while also polishing up your appearance. This doesn't necessarily mean loading on makeup, either, though that's definitely a great option for upping how you feel about yourself.

Keep it simple. Brush your hair and perfect some simple styles, keep your teeth brushed, and choose clothes—whatever your style—that suit you. These small tweaks can instantly make you feel better about yourself and increase your long-term confidence over time.

How often do you stumble over yourself when someone tells you your hair looks nice or that you did a good job? Being unable to take a compliment shows low self-worth. By accepting compliments with a simple thank you, you get the boost of feeling good from acknowledging that someone else perceives you as worth the positivity and feel more confident.

Remember, too, that while it's great to return a compliment to whoever gave you one, only do so if you actually mean it. Don't hunt for a compliment just to say something back—insincerity is often more evident than we think. "Thank you" is plenty!

Healthy foods are good for more than just maintaining a healthy weight. Eating well can help keep your hair, eyes, and skin looking bright and beautiful, but there's more to the story. When you eat well, you influence how you feel emotionally.

A diet full of nutrient-rich foods encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which influence your mood, thanks to the gut-brain axis. Healthy foods can leave you feeling better about yourself even if you're already happy with your body.

Don't shy away from strangers you meet. Have a conversation while waiting in line for your coffee or on public transit. Not only does this help break insecure habits, but it can also make you feel more confident in yourself and more comfortable in your skin. An openness and willingness to socialize help let your inner beauty shine through.

Making and holding eye contact with people when speaking projects your confidence, even if you feel a little insecure. Eye contact is associated with the release of bonding and other positive hormones that can leave you feeling great. It's also associated with attraction, so if you're trying to look and feel better for a special someone, meeting their gaze can help.

If you struggle with low self-confidence, you probably get caught up worrying about whether others dislike you. It's easy to focus on your flaws and assume others will too. Shifting this thought process around and assuming that other people like you (or are at the very least neutral about you) can help boost your confidence in social situations and make you feel more beautiful, inside and out.

Everyone has something worth admiring about themselves. Focusing on that and recognizing your worth can go a long way in boosting your confidence and making you feel more beautiful as a person. Whether the thing you choose is physical or a part of your personality, being able to quickly call to mind something you love something about yourself can help you feel like a more beautiful person, especially in specific, stressful moments.