Six steps to confidence

All of us can suffer from low self-confidence at times, for some however the battle to be confident is ongoing. If you have a situation coming up when you know you'll be in need of an extra dose of confidence, try the following steps to help you feel more confident and in control.

1. Recharge your batteries

When you are tired and stressed your confidence levels are unlikely to be high. Ensure you dedicate some time every day to relaxation - this could mean practising yoga, meditating, reading or even enjoying a long bath. Reducing your stress levels is essential for better well-being and a boost in confidence is a welcome side-effect.

2. Get enough sleep

Confidence relies on your ability to think clearly, something we all find hard to do when we're tired. If you find it difficult to sleep consider your evening routine and what you can change to better your chances of getting a good night's sleep - this can include switching off electronic devices before bed, drinking warm milk or practicing relaxation exercises.

3. Slow your breathing

When we are anxious about something, our breathing gets faster. This sets off a chain reaction in our body making us feel more and more panicked. By slowing your breathing during a stressful event you can counteract this and maintain a sense of calm.

4. Pretend

Sometimes pretending to be confident can actually help you feel more confident. When you have an event coming up that you're nervous about, stand tall with your head up high and pretend to be full of confidence - you'll be shocked at how confident this will make you feel.

5. Think positive

Every morning tell yourself something positive - "I can do it", "I am capable", "I deserve this". While it may seem like a simple act, thinking positively goes an incredibly long way in building confidence.

6. Don't give up

Confidence is like a muscle, you have to exercise it over and over again to become strong. When things happen to shake your confidence, don't give up. Try to learn from the experience, brush yourself off try again.