Yahoo Lifestyle Insta-Confidence: How To Get It
If you have 1 second: SIT UP STRAIGHT
No-one likes a sloucher—including you, so it seems Sitting up straight gives you more confidence in your own thoughts, one study found, while slumping makes you feel less qualified.
If you have 2 seconds: SPRITZ ON SCENT
Smell better, feel better: that’s what researchers discovered when they found women felt more empowered in social, business and romantic situations with perfume on.
If you have 3 seconds: SMILE
According to one study, flashing your pearly whites (even if you’re faking a cheesy grin) when a situation has you feeling flustered decreases your stress and makes you feel better.
If you have 5 seconds: GIVE THE NOD
When you nod your head while someone’s talking, you’re more likely to believe in what you’re thinking, research shows. Bonus: they’ll mirror your movements and believe in what you’re saying, too.
If you have 10 seconds: TALK WITH YOUR HANDS
There's an overlap between the brain regions that control your hand movements and your understanding of speech, so gesturing while you talk can help you formulate your sentences fluently, research found.
If you have 15 seconds: GET FLIRTY
It might go against what you believe, but according to new research “feminine charm” works when negotiating. Being friendly, making eye contact, smiling, laughing and even a little touching works by giving off an air of confidence.
If you have 1 minute: DO SOMETHING THAT SCARES YOU
Taking a reasonable risk is an accomplishment in itself - no matter what the result. "Controlled leaps of faith give us a chance to feel proud of ourselves for having the guts," says Dr Phil McGraw, author of Life Code (Simon & Schuster). So send out an invite for a three-course dinner for 10, sign up for a mud run or put your hand up at work for a new project outside your comfort zone.
If you have 3 minutes: HAVE A GREEN SNACK
"Green apple and cucumber are the most effective smells for reducing anxiety," says Alan R. Hirsch, founder and neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.
If you have 4 minutes: BE A COPYCAT
Think of something that you admire someone else for doing and then do it yourself—or make a plan to. Maybe they speak French, volunteer at a local women’s shelter, whip up delicious green smoothies every morning or even just read interesting books. Whatever it is, it should ‘stretch’ you but still be achievable.
If you have 5 minutes: DO SOMEONE A FAVOUR
Just a quick one: according to organizational psychologist Adam Grant, granting a ‘five-minute favour’, like introducing two people who might get along, or making a busy colleague a surprise cuppa, is an easy way to do good. “Feeling like you’ve helped someone provides a sense that you matter.”
If you have 6 minutes: CLEAN OUT YOUR WALLET
"Set a time every week to go through your wallet," says Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project. "File receipts and business cards, and toss scraps of paper. Managing one small, critical thing will help you feel in control of your life."
If you have 7 minutes: ORDER A COFFEE
Love that latte? Indulge: 100 milligrams of caffeine has been shown to increase alertness, energy and, most importantly, your self-confidence levels.
If you have 8 minutes: SAY THANK YOU
Write a card for that dinner party, give a colleague a surprise thank you for their support or call your mum to say thanks for being her. Whoever it is and however you do it, people who express gratitude are happier with themselves, research says.
If you have 15 minutes: GET YOUR ‘OM’ ON
People who meditated at least five days a week improved their self-acceptance, according to one study. It’s not hard, either: they simply sat quietly, paid attention to their breathing, and thought compassionately about themselves or someone else.
If you have 20 minutes: START SWEATING
Health benefits aside, breaking a sweat for 20 minutes can sharpen your mind for a whole twelve-hour stint, research found.
If you have 30 minutes: TAKE STOCK OF YOUR FRIENDSHIPS
"There is strength in numbers, and identifying the right people to root for you can make a significant difference in the way you approach challenges," says McGraw. When thinking about your current friendships-or evaluating whether to take a casual acquaintance further-ask yourself: Do I feel a real connection to this person? Am I comfortable opening up to her? Has she ever said anything that would make me doubt myself? The answers will help you find your personal cheerleading squad.
If you have 1 hour: COLOUR YOUR HAIR
Women who dyed their hair were more confident at work, an English study discovered. "After coloring their hair, they were much more likely to ask for a raise, challenge their boss, or put their foot down when confronted by a coworker."
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