7 ways to BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

Psychologist Cynthia Hickman takes a look at some simple ways to boost self confidence - starting with one thought for each day of the week. Be positive and boost your confidence......

MONDAY

The cliche "look good, feel good" is actually true. If your appearance looks confident and at ease, your feelings will follow. So it's important to pay attention to your appearance including your fitness, grooming and clothes. And keep the environment around you clean and ordered. These things create internal confidence.

TUESDAY

We drain much of our confidence by our own negative thinking. But thoughts are just thoughts - it doesn't mean they're true. Catch the negative thoughts, flick them away and replace with encouraging thoughts. You may need to do this a hundred times a day. Don't worry, it will improve over time.

WEDNESDAY

Our body holds meaning. If you slouch and droop your head, you look like you lack confidence and will feel this way too. The beauty of the body is that we can choose to change it regardless of how we feel. Positive energy will follow. Imagine you feel confident, then get your posture to match.

THURSDAY

Many of us have internal issues that diminish our confidence. There may be emotions, situations or relationships that have influenced our self-perception. Get these in perspective. Critics reveal more about themselves than the person they criticise. So don't take things personally.

FRIDAY

If you treat someone well and give them encouragement, they blossom. Why would you be any different? How can you feel good about yourself if you treat yourself with disregard? Bring your attention back and treat your own self with the care and consideration you know you deserve. 

SATURDAY

You can't feel confident if you aren't grounded in your own self. Breathe gently. Feel the breath going in and out with gentleness. Let that gentleness flow down into the body. Then anchor yourself in your own heart. Put your hand on your chest and say, "Here I am. I'm on my side. I deserve to treat myself well."

SUNDAY

Start with small goals. If you aim too high you may scare yourself off. Competence is built slowly with each small success. But do get started on something. Sitting on the couch in self-pity and fear feeds negativity. Feedback from a self in action creates the building blocks of confidence.

Body + Soul

do it yourself HAIRCARE

Pouring flat beer over your hair after shampooing can create shine. Choose one with a weak scent and rinse with warm water.

Champagne can also be used to rinse your hair for a more upmarket glow.

Rinsing your hair with a mix of cider vinegar and warm water adds shine and helps balance your hair's pH levels.

You can also use natural oils such as jojoba, first-pressed olive oil or coconut oil. Apply it only to the hair shaft, not the scalp. Leave it on for an hour to penetrate.

For a real hit of gloss, turn the water to cold for your final rinse to close the cuticles. This will help your colour last longer too. 

DIY protein treatment for shiny hair

Your hair is made up of proteins, which can break up from exposure to the sun, chemicals and harsh conditions - so what better way to strengthen your strands than to put some back! 

You will need

2 eggs

1/2 cup yogurt

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup olive oil

Beat the eggs until they become frothy and add in the olive oil.

Whisk until it's fully blended together and add in the yogurt, mixing until it's a creamy consistency. Then add the honey.

Comb out any knots and tangles in your hair, and spread the mixture from your roots to your ends, combing it through.

Wrap your hair in a warm towel and for twenty to thirty minutes before your rinse it out and shampoo.

body and soul / self

7 Days 7 Ways to be a Good Parent

By psychologist Cynthia Hickman. 

Sometimes, as parents, we can forget how to be our best parent. Here are some tips from Body & Soul. It always feels good to be refreshed with tips to help us on our way. 


Monday

Children need to feel 'met' by ther parents. Take time to listen to them  and find out who they are. Look them in the eye, acknowledge their feelings, dreams and be gentle with their developing sense of self. 


Tuesday

It is not what you say or do, it is the quality of your being that counts. If you are stressed or anxious this is what you teach your child. If you are calm, gentle, warm and centered they will be just that. 


Wednesday

You are the parent they are the children. You are not their friend! Do not burden them with adult issues. Kids worry and then feel they have to fix things. Let them focus on their own lives. 

Thursday

Children are not clones of you, so do not pressure them fulfill your dreams. Let them discover who they are. 

Friday

Love is a presence you bring to your children. I love and accept you for who you are. 

Saturday

Look after yourself. You are the foundation upon which your children stand and your wellbeing is vital to their emotional and mental health. Treat yourself as tenderly as you treat your children. 

Sunday

Children need constant routine, boundaries and care which provides a feeling of security. This will help ground them when they step out into the world. 

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