Five Ways to Boost Your Self-Confidence

1. Exercise!!!Physical fitness has a huge effect on self-confidence. If you are out of shape, you will feel insecure, unattractive, and less energetic. By working out, you improve your physical appearance, energize yourself, and accomplish something positive. Having the discipline to work out not only makes you feel better, it creates positive momentum that you can build on the rest of the day.Real idea: Try to take a 10 or 15 minute walk a few days a week. After school or on the weekends would be great. You’ll feel great, you won’t feel lazy, plus exercise releases chemicals in the brain that cause happiness. It’s science!! 2. Find something you love to do!!!You spend time every day doing things that you don’t want to do, like getting out of bed, spending time in boring classes, and doing chores. All these things can bring your attitude down. BUT, if you take the focus away from those things it will make you more relaxed and comfortable with yourself.Real idea: Do you have any hobbies or activities you like? Even if it is just listening to a certain type of music, or playing a specific game, drawing, laughing ... try to make it a part of your daily routine. 3. Be kind and help others whenever possible!!!This one is SO important - it will really make you feel like a superhero. Being kind to other people, especially ones that people are not usually nice to or don’t get a lot of attention will totally boost your confidence. In addition, doing something nice for other people will make you feel like a great, beautiful person - which is what you are!Real idea: Is there a kid at school who seems down? Ask them how they are, and if they want to talk or play sometime. You could help your mom with something extra at home or your sister with her homework. 4. Surround yourself with positive people!!!This is difficult, especially when you don’t have so many friends to hang out with. However, it’s very important, and something that I personally have had to learn the hard way. When your friends are negative - when they say mean things about other people, or are depressed, or always complaining - this will bring your attitude down too, and it is hard to get away from that.Real idea: Hang out with friends and people who make you feel happy. Surround yourself with kind people who laugh and enjoy their life. 5. Express yourself!!!Don’t forget that you are a human being, and NO ONE in the world is ANYTHING like you. You are unique and one of a kind! No one has the thoughts you have or the dreams you have. That makes you so special! Because of this, don’t be scared to express yourself. Say what you think, and explore what you want to explore. Be confident!!Real idea: Be honest with friends and your family. Don’t keep quiet and think “No one wants to hear what I have to say.” That’s not true! People are more attracted to people who are strong and confident, and not scared to be themselves. As you get older you will become more comfortable with yourself, but you can start right now by taking a deep breath, putting a smile on your face, and getting excited about the day!