SEXY IS A STATE OF MIND
Recently
I found an article online from Women’s Health Magazine that is all about
confidence, and how we, as women, can feel confident all the time by dropping a
few bad habits, and substituting them for some positive ones. After reading the article, Sexy is a State of Mind: How to Rock More
Confidence from the Inside Out, I thought that every woman should take a
look at it and decide for themselves if these tips would be beneficial to them
or not. In my humble opinion we have all
been a little too harsh from time to time when it comes to critiquing our own
bodies or our actions and, dare I say, even harsher when it comes to commenting
on others in order to make ourselves feel better.
According
to researchers, criticizing yourself and others, and comparing yourself to
others is only making you a less confident person, even though these actions in
fact prove that you are indeed trying to seek a needed sense of confidence. So ladies, if you are guilty of some of the
aforementioned behavior, I know I am, and if you feel like you need a little
confidence boost, give this article a read, these five simple steps might pave
the road to a more confident and self-assured you!
Sexy is a State of Mind:
How
to rock more confidence from the inside out
1) Get
Moving
Research has linked any type of exercise—cardio, strength training, stretching—to greater body confidence. And it works whether or not your fitness level or weight changes, or whether your sweat sessions are mild or intense. Plus, just talking about a workout can up your self-image, says psychologist Louise Wasylkiw, Ph.D., of Mount Allison University.
Research has linked any type of exercise—cardio, strength training, stretching—to greater body confidence. And it works whether or not your fitness level or weight changes, or whether your sweat sessions are mild or intense. Plus, just talking about a workout can up your self-image, says psychologist Louise Wasylkiw, Ph.D., of Mount Allison University.
2) Listen
Up
The more in touch you are with the way your body works, the less you may dwell on its appearance, says cognitive psychology researcher Vivien Ainley. In one study, women who could more accurately count their heartbeats objectified themselves less. Practices like meditation and yoga can help you tune in to you.
The more in touch you are with the way your body works, the less you may dwell on its appearance, says cognitive psychology researcher Vivien Ainley. In one study, women who could more accurately count their heartbeats objectified themselves less. Practices like meditation and yoga can help you tune in to you.
3) Nix
Fat Chat
OMG, you're so tiny; my thighs are like tree trunks. Most women think such self-deprecation is harmless or even helpful. In reality, it's anything but. Even being involved in third-party snarking (say, dissing a coworker's shape) can reinforce a negative view of your own body. "Challenge, then replace, fat talk," says psychology doctoral candidate Rachel Salk of the University of Wisconsin. Praising someone else's strength or their healthy habits can make everyone feel more confident.
OMG, you're so tiny; my thighs are like tree trunks. Most women think such self-deprecation is harmless or even helpful. In reality, it's anything but. Even being involved in third-party snarking (say, dissing a coworker's shape) can reinforce a negative view of your own body. "Challenge, then replace, fat talk," says psychology doctoral candidate Rachel Salk of the University of Wisconsin. Praising someone else's strength or their healthy habits can make everyone feel more confident.
4) Speak
the (Body) Language
Whenever you hunch your shoulders, cross your arms over your chest, or stare at the floor, you announce your self-consciousness, says body-language pro Lillian Glass, Ph.D. Try a fake-it-till-you-make-it experiment: Walk upright, as if a string is pulling from the top of your head. When you talk to someone, squeeze your butt muscles to straighten your spine, and stand with your feet a foot apart, toes pointing at the person you're facing. Smile, and don't be afraid to use your hands when you talk--this kind of openness makes you seem more secure.
Whenever you hunch your shoulders, cross your arms over your chest, or stare at the floor, you announce your self-consciousness, says body-language pro Lillian Glass, Ph.D. Try a fake-it-till-you-make-it experiment: Walk upright, as if a string is pulling from the top of your head. When you talk to someone, squeeze your butt muscles to straighten your spine, and stand with your feet a foot apart, toes pointing at the person you're facing. Smile, and don't be afraid to use your hands when you talk--this kind of openness makes you seem more secure.
5) FEEL
BETTER—BY TONIGHT!
First, do an environment scan for confidence-destroying stuff. As in: old jeans that don't fit, a laptop perennially set to friends' too-perfect Facebook posts. If you can't cut this stuff out entirely, avoid it before a big moment. If your weight is bothering you, put away the scale for now. The number's not going to change today, so reminding yourself of it is counterproductive. Leave positive messages on sticky notes around your apartment or office. ("Yeah, you are amazing!" "You're going to kick butt!") Strategically place them so they're the last things you see before stepping out the door.
First, do an environment scan for confidence-destroying stuff. As in: old jeans that don't fit, a laptop perennially set to friends' too-perfect Facebook posts. If you can't cut this stuff out entirely, avoid it before a big moment. If your weight is bothering you, put away the scale for now. The number's not going to change today, so reminding yourself of it is counterproductive. Leave positive messages on sticky notes around your apartment or office. ("Yeah, you are amazing!" "You're going to kick butt!") Strategically place them so they're the last things you see before stepping out the door.
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/gain-confidence
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