According to a recent study, a staggering 50% of Americans do not feel confident. This is hardly surprising, as confidence is rather fragile. It can be affected by a variety of different factors, such as our success at work, our relationships, and even the media we consume. For example, those who spend more time on social media often have lower levels of self-esteem and confidence.

However, having confidence in yourself is vital in today’s world. This is due to the fact that confidence can open many doors for you, both personally and professionally. 

With that in mind, here are some simple ways to improve your confidence and self-esteem. 

• Take care of your appearance. Body confidence is one of the biggest challenges we face in our lives, due to the fact that certain beauty standards are lauded above others. However, it’s important to note that we are all beautiful in our own way. Nevertheless, taking care of yourself and your appearance can do wonders for your confidence levels as when we look good on the outside, we often feel good on the inside too. 

• Smile more often. Believe it or not, smiling more often (even if you don’t necessarily feel like it) can actually boost your confidence and happiness levels. This is due to the fact that the action itself triggers the release of happiness-related hormones in your body. If (like many adults) you try to avoid smiling as you aren’t happy with your teeth, then you should look into local dentists who can provide you with the support and treatment you need to make positive changes to your smile. For example, you could look into laser dentistry. 

• Take a break from social media. As mentioned before, social media often harms our confidence more than it helps it. While it feels great to get likes and comments on our latest selfies, it also makes it easier than ever to compare ourselves to others. As a result, if you want to feel good, give yourself a social media detox. However, you should also remember that social media is not a reflection of real life. Posts are curated, and only the best images are selected to appear on our feeds. If you find that you are constantly comparing yourself to others, particularly celebrities and influencers, hit that unfollow button. Try to only consume content that makes you feel good. 

• Develop healthy habits. Following a healthy lifestyle is another great way to boost your self-esteem. For example, embracing an active lifestyle and working out more regularly will work wonders for your mental health and in turn, your confidence. There are various reasons for this. Firstly, much like smiling, exercise triggers the release of endorphins in your body that leave you feeling happier. Secondly, it also gives you the chance to present yourself with a positive challenge. When you reach your goals, you’ll naturally feel good about yourself and your abilities, allowing your confidence and self-worth to develop simultaneously. It will also help you improve your overall health and wellbeing.