10 Ways to Boost Your Confidence

You may be one of those people who has low self-esteem due to your ever increasing weight problem. Unfortunately, when we gain weight it can lead to an ever increasing spiral of “we don’t like ourselves, so we stop in and end up eating more and gaining more weight”

We all have a common purpose at Super Slim, to lose weight. Some of you may not be where you want to be with your weight yet, however, confidence and well being is the key to a successful weight loss campaign. Although we shouldn’t expect instant miraculous results from the following tips, they can all have a positive effect on our feelings of self worth. So next time you want to shrink back from the world, take positive steps to get back on top. You’re worth it!

1. New Look, New You.

Are you stuck in a style rut? Shake away preconceived notions about your image and give yourself a make-over. If you’ve had the same hairstyle for years, ask yourself why? Is it because the style really suits you or are you sticking to what you know? Is it time for a change? Make an appointment with a good stylist and talk about how you can experiment with style and colour.

Next, throw away all those unflattering clothes in your wardrobe. Why should you wear garments that do you no favours and make you feel frumpy? Even if you’re left with only three or four outfits, these will be far better than a wardrobe full of relics from the previous decade. Keep abreast with the latest fashions by browsing through modern, trendy catalogues and make sure your accessories are up-to-date. Fashion guru’s always advise buying one cheaper item of clothing from a fashion store and wearing it with a classic item, e.g classic pair of trouser with a fashion top. You won’t spend too much on clothes then as you lose weight and you will keep abreast of the latest fashions but perhaps without looking like ‘mutton dressed as lamb’.

2. Join Up.

How long has it been since you took the plunge and met new people? Getting out and socialising can really boost your confidence as well as broaden your horizons. If you’re a bit on the shy side there are many ways in which you can maximise your chances of meeting others. Why not sign up for an evening class in a subject which interests you such as dressmaking, art or flower arranging

3. Relax

Take time out to relax, you owe it to yourself. There have been many links made between stress and weight gain, along with a whole host of other negative effects. Don’t feel guilty about shutting out the world sometimes and indulging in some of your favourite pastimes. Whether this be a long, hot soak in the bath or a good read, then when you emerge again you’ll feel invigorated and better prepared to face what life throws at you!

4. Praise You.

It is the British way to rebuff a compliment. Someone says to you, ‘that’s a nice top’ and you reply ‘oh, this is old, I’ve had it ages’. If you were to give someone a compliment but your efforts were dismissed, how do you think you would feel? You’d probably wish you hadn’t bothered! Do yourself a favour by acknowledging and accepting any compliment given. By the same token, when was the last time you complimented someone? It’s all too easy to get into the habit of taking for granted those close to us, readily criticising them and not taking the time to praise their attributes. Think of those around you and what you sincerely admire, then decide over the next few weeks to tell them! You’ll be training your mind to seek out positive messages rather than negative ones and the more compliments you give out, the more you’ll be likely to receive.

5. Posture.

Standing tall is one of the most important steps you can make towards looking instantly slimmer and more confident. Over the years, tensions can build up resulting in the neck and shoulders contracting. This leads to rounded shoulders, a lowered head and an arched back, causing further tension and the problem becoming worse. A good keep-fit class that shows you the correct way to stretch your body, will also help achieve good posture.

6. Fit For Fun.

As well as releasing those feel-good endorphins, regular exercise will tone up flabby muscles and burn calories, all resulting in a happier, healthier and slimmer you. If you prefer going it alone, then maybe walking, jogging or swimming will suit you. However, many of us need the motivating force of a team or just prefer some company, so check out your local leisure or community centre for details on classes.