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Perhaps you believe that confidence is something only a select few people are born with. When you read interviews with or see famous people on TV, you may even think it’s impossible that you could ever possess that same boldness and tenacity. However, there are ways to get there. Today, Professional Women in Healthcare offers some simple suggestions to help you build confidence and live the life you deserve.
- Choose a Healthy Diet
While it may be a cliché, one of the best ways to build confidence and improve your mood is to eat well, in addition to exercising. As well as being a great way to lose weight, eating a nutritious and balanced diet can help you feel more motivated and reduce your risk of health problems, and make it much easier to create a calm, positive environment in your home.
One core tenet of eating nutritiously is to consume more fruits and vegetables. If that sentence makes you cringe, know that there are nearly limitless ways to make delicious meals that are also rich in nutrients.
- Avoid Stressors Before Bed
Many spend their last waking hours on social media, texting friends, playing video games, or watching something exciting. While these activities may seem like ways to unwind, sleep research shows they may in fact be a form of stress that can negatively impact your sleep quality. Many forms of screen time may serve to work you up rather than relax you and can hurt your ability to fall and stay asleep, which in turn limits your ability to wake up in your best shape. It’s hard to feel confident when you can’t get out of bed.
- Advance Your Career With a New Degree
If you’re feeling down about your career prospects, one way to improve them is to go back to school and learn a few new skills. With the advent of online education, you can enhance your career prospects from the comfort of your home. For example, you can earn a business degree online, learning skills focused on accounting, finance, economics, marketing, or business management that can earn you a higher-paying and more enjoyable job. How could you not feel confident when you look forward to work every morning?
- Exercise Regularly
There are obvious benefits to starting a fitness routine: It's a great way to lose weight, tone your body, and build stamina, which will make you look and feel better. There are less obvious benefits, too: A fitness routine can help you sleep better, reduce stress, improve the health of your skin, reduce your risk of heart disease, and make you feel more energized throughout the day. According to one study, people who exercised at least 150 minutes a week had a 33% lower risk of premature death.
You might think an exercise routine needs to be strenuous and grueling, but that’s not true! In fact, if you’re not used to working out, it’s actually better to start slow. Cardiovascular exercise can be as simple as biking, walking on a treadmill, or anything that gets your heart rate up. If you live in a neighborhood conducive to walking, taking a daily stroll in the morning or evening can be beneficial as well.
- Start a Business
It is possible to make your vision a reality by taking the leap and launching your own venture. Additionally, running your own business gives you the opportunity to grow and develop professionally. You have the chance to learn new skills and gain valuable experience that can help you further pursue your goals. And getting involved in entrepreneurship can be extremely rewarding on a personal level as well. If you’re starting a new company, you’ll need to write a business plan. This should detail your business structure, how you’ll market your products or services, your funding needs, and anticipated revenue.
- Avoid Burnout
If you own your own small business or are self-employed, burnout is a real risk. First, make sure you get enough sleep – 7 to 8 hours per night is recommended for optimal performance – because stress increases with too little sleep. Establish realistic goals and expectations from yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone needs backup sometimes, either from a coworker, friend, or a professional. Most importantly, find ways to make your work enjoyable.
- Get Financial Help
If money worries are keeping you from enjoying your best life, consult a financial advisor for ways to better manage your finances and plan for retirement. If needed, use your home as equity and refinance, or find a better interest rate that will allow you some peace of mind and give you the extra cash to do the things that make life worth living.
Self-confidence is not something you must be born with, but instead is something you can create by changing your habits and lifestyle. Whether you're walking more often, going back to school, or starting a business, you can boost your confidence and live your best life with a little effort and resolve.
