We all have those times when, for whatever reason, our confidence is flagging and a compliment (or personal cheer squad) wouldn't go amiss to help us smash through our day.
The good news is that you don't need to wait for someone else to encourage you from the sidelines, because we've rounded up some simple ways to give yourself an instant confidence boost, from using scent to feel like your best self to sitting up a bit straighter. Follow these easy tips next time you need a lift…
1. Embrace power dressing…
…whatever that means to you. Numerous studies have shown that what we wear affects how we feel, especially when it comes to confidence. Thankfully we’re not just talking oversized, padded shoulders and 1980s skirt-suits; these days, the key is to find the styles that make you feel amazing, and stick to them. Maybe you know that a certain jumpsuit makes you strut not walk, or that tailored trousers always make you feel slick and put-together. Whatever personal power dressing means for you, use this principle as inspiration for two or three key pieces in your wardrobe, then turn to them whenever you need a dash of daring.
2. Practise good scents
It’s no secret that smell is an emotionally charged sense. If you’ve ever caught a sniff of something that evokes the nostalgia of your teen years or reminds you of an old friend, you’ll know this is true. So why not harness the power of smell to lift your confidence too?
Enter Lenor In-Wash Scent Boosters, which promise freshness that lasts for up to eight hours in wear. That means in all the crunch moments of your day, you can take a sniff and enjoy a fresh boost of reassurance, knowing you smell amazing.
From clean minimalist scents like Spring Awakening to luxurious florals such as Gold Orchid, there are plenty of gorgeous fragrances to choose from – just add the Scent Boosters directly to your washing-machine drum alongside your laundry load and prepare for non-stop freshness* – and compliments!
Lenor Unstoppables In-Wash Scent Booster 320g, £5.40
Lenor Spring Awakening In-Wash Scent Booster 320g, £5.40
Lenor Gold Orchid In-Wash Scent Booster 320g, £5.40
3. Fix your posture
Good posture isn’t just something our mothers used to nag us about. There’s plenty of research that shows standing tall with a straight back can actually boost confidence in a matter of seconds. One study found that people who sat in an upright posture versus a slumped posture reported higher self-esteem; another study found that children who sat up straight while doing complex maths challenges found them less difficult and intimidating than their slouched counterparts. So when you’re in search of an instant boost, stand taller, roll your shoulders back and hold your head high – you’ve got this.
4. Tick off your to-dos
Okay, this one isn’t necessarily a quick fix, but that feeling you get after you’ve written up then ticked off all of your to-do list? We can’t think of a better confidence boost.
Whether it’s work or life admin, ‘task paralysis’ (that inaction you feel when faced with too much to do) is certainly real. Though it might be like the last thing you feel like doing, try to tackle the biggest or most important item on your list first. There are two major benefits here: firstly, you’ll be dealing with the most challenging task when your energy levels are high and, secondly, every task that follows will feel easy in comparison. Win-win.
Discover more about how Lenor In-Wash Scent Boosters can boost your day, every day
*for up to 12 weeks in storage
