6 easy ways to boost your self-confidence

(BPT) – Whether you’re working toward a big promotion, trying to take more risks, or are looking to overcome obstacles, self-confidence is the key to facing your fears head-on. Confident people not only see themselves in a positive light, they also believe in and respect themselves even when times are tough.

Low self-confidence doesn’t have to be a permanent state of mind. You can practice and master the art of self-confidence, just like any other skill. Here are some tips to help you embody confidence in every aspect of your life:

Work on your posture.

When you catch yourself hunching over or rounding those shoulders, it’s time to straighten up. Research shows the simple act of standing and sitting up straight, opening your chest, and keeping your head level can lift both your confidence and mood.

Crank up the tunes.

It’s no secret music has major benefits for both the mind and body. Listen to an upbeat song with heavy bass to raise your confidence level first thing in the morning. Set the tone for the rest of the day by listening to your favorite songs on the way to work.

Be mindful of your body language.

More than 60 percent of communication is non-verbal. The more self-assured your non-verbal gestures, the more confident you’ll appear and feel. According to body language expert, Vanessa Van Edwards, self-touch is one of the main indicators of nervousness, so actions like flipping, teasing, and pulling your hair back make you seem less confident and more anxious to others. To avoid reverting to hair tricks, try using a hair care line like Dove Oxygen Moisture, which gives your hair the moisture and volume it needs so you can be your most confident self.

Be your own cheerleader.

Before an important presentation, project or other event, it’s important to visualize yourself succeeding. When you’re struggling or stressed out, it’s easy to get stuck in a negative mindset, but a little positivity goes a long way. Use self-affirmations and inject positive enthusiasm into every interaction, even if you’re not feeling it quite yet. Let your focus stray away from the problems and move toward changes and solutions.

Appreciate sincere compliments.

Take extra time to cherish the genuine and heartfelt compliments you receive from your friends, family and coworkers. When you’re in need of an extra boost, look back at those old notes, cards, performance reviews or emails. Remind yourself that you are loved and respected by the people in your life.

Keep your stress level in check.

Long-term stress can cause various health problems and generate out of control feelings. In the midst of your busy life, be sure to take a few hours for yourself each week to relax and unwind. Book an appointment at the spa, get your hair or nails done or simply spend a few extra minutes reading in the tub. Quiet moments like these allow you to take on the more hectic parts of your week with grace and assurance.

Follow these tips for a more positive and fearless outlook on life. To learn more, visit: Dove.com.