Confidence and good health are traits that are vital no matter what stage of your life may be in. They are also closely linked in ways you may not immediately expect. For example, positive thinking impacts your physical health as well as your emotional health, with studies suggesting that happy, confident individuals have a greater resistance to illness and even an increased life span. Whatsmore, ‘when you feel confident, you tend to make decisions that are good for you and your health,’ as you’re more likely to want to continue taking good care of yourself.
With that in mind, here are some simple steps you can use to improve both your confidence and fitness levels!
- Get back into exercising. Many people view exercise as a way to lose weight – but it’s much more than that. Sure, it can change your body by helping you shed fat and gain muscle, but it can also work wonders for your mind. For example, regular exercise increases your body’s production of happiness hormones, such as serotonin. This could help you fight off feelings of anxiety. As a result, those looking to improve their confidence and health should start by getting back into exercise. Don’t worry, you no longer have to go to the gym to get in great shape as there are plenty of ways to improve your fitness from the comfort of your own home.
- Do your research. Whether you’re about to embark upon a new diet or try out a cosmetic procedure in order to build body confidence as you get older, it’s vital that you do your research ahead of time to ensure that you find a solution that is the right fit for you. For example, you could check out this guide from Aric Aghayan, M.D. P to determine whether or not you’d be a good candidate for liposuction or similar procedures.
- Find your community. As you get older, your body goes through a lot of changes that can sometimes make maintaining your health (and, by extension, your confidence) seems impossible. For example, those who find themselves living with chronic health conditions may feel as though their entire life has been turned upside down. In this case, you should try to join support groups or reach out to those with similar experiences. When you become part of a community, you gain access to invaluable advice from people who have been in your shoes.
- Stop stressing. This step is a lot easier said than done, but managing your stress is vital if you’re looking to take better care of yourself. As a result, you should work to identify the source of your stress, as this gives you the best possible chances of removing it from your life. It also helps you to put plans in place to navigate stressful situations, especially if you can predict when they will crop up. For example, if you find that you’re stressed at work, you could mitigate this by asking for deadline extensions or relying on the support of your colleagues.
- Go to therapy. When people think of therapy, they often think of the overly-dramatized depictions of therapy we see in the media or believe that it’s only suitable for those working through serious mental health complications. However, this isn’t true, and everyone can benefit from therapeutic services, especially when it comes to improving their confidence and emotional health. If you’re unsure, try to challenge your stereotypical belief of therapy and see it for what it really is: a chance to work through complicated emotions, develop healthier habits, and take care of your mind.
- Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness has long since been lauded as a great way to improve your mental health, as it provides you with the tools you need to clear your mind. Therefore, it goes without saying that mindfulness and similar hobbies can be great confidence boosters. However, did you know that mindfulness could also be vital in improving your physical health? For example, a report from the HelpGuide found that ‘Mindfulness can: help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, and alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties.’
- Follow a healthy diet. Healthy eating is one of the easiest ways to improve your health, which in turn, will lead to an increase in confidence. This is due to the fact that when we are well-nourished and healthy on the inside, we also see the benefits on the outside. For example, you may notice that your body becomes more toned or your skin is brighter and smoother. As a result, you should make a real effort to stick to a healthy diet when possible. This can sometimes seem out of the question if you have a busy schedule, but you could combat this by meal-prepping on the weekends. That way, the only thing you need to do after a busy day at work is reheat your food as opposed to cooking an entire meal from scratch. You should also be wary of snacking – or opt for healthier snacks where possible. For example, if you’re seeking a midday boost of energy, it’s better to reach for something light, such as popcorn instead of chocolate. (Of course, you should also make sure you treat yourself from time to time).
- Drink more water. Drinking more water helps to flush your body of toxins while also keeping your general health in check. It is also the perfect companion to any workout. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it could actually work to enhance the benefits of your exercise too! From a confidence standpoint, it can help to clear your skin. Therefore, you should always make sure that you drink plenty of water. Try to carry around a reusable bottle with you so that you can fill it up when you need it. Ideally, you should aim to drink around 6-8 cups of water a day, though you might need to up your intake slightly if the weather is warm or you’re exercising frequently.
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