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Keeping your self-confidence up in lockdown

Keeping your self-confidence up in lockdown

Posted on: Wednesday 20 January 2021



What gives you self-confidence? For me it's little things; a good conversation over coffee with a friend, wearing a sassy outfit, having a tipsy boogie with my girls. Essentially, it's all things none of us are currently able to do, and I'm sure that's the case for many of us.


So what's happening to our self-confidence?


After years of low self-confidence, by early 2020 I felt like I'd reached a really good place. Forever an introvert (although I don't particularly like or believe that the whole human race can be divided into two labels so easily) who would shy away from group conversations and generally keep myself to myself I'd surrounded myself with the right people and things and I felt able to completely and unashamedly be myself.


Yet as the toll of the past year has taken hold I can feel my introversion creeping back out and my confidence waning. It's not exactly difficult to see why; I'm simply not used to the social interaction anymore. I've spoken to a lot of people who have similar worries; how are we going to just jump straight back into normal life when the time comes? 


Worries that I thought I'd buried are resurfacing. Am I boring? Is anyone going to want to spend time with me? Can I actually add anything to a conversation?


I worked hard to become the person I was at the beginning of 2020 and I'm fighting to stay that way. Here are some of the things I'm doing to keep my self-confidence up:


Getting dressed up, just for the hell of it 

Because why not eh? Despite not being able to go anywhere, wearing nice clothes still makes me feel good. Whether it's putting a bit more thought into what I'm wearing for work, getting dressed up for a 'date night' or just putting one of my favourite floaty dresses on to sit around the house, I can guarantee it works.


Carrying on conversation

I know we're all a bit sick of Zoom by now, but a quick phone or video call with a friend can make the world of difference, especially if it's someone you've not seen for a while (which lets face it is pretty much everyone). I don't do it as often as I should, but I think checking in via a call rather than a message is far more beneficial to both parties.


Throwing myself into new (and old) hobbies

I've always been a fan of hobbies that make me feel productive. My parents bought me a sewing machine for my 30th birthday and learning to use and actually making things with that has made me feel like a real life competent adult. Reigniting my love for writing and photography through this blog and my Instagram has been a real lifeline in keeping my self-confidence up. I guess it's nice to keep busy and feel like you're still achieving something even when there's not much else happening in life.


Make the most of being at home

I know, I know, we're all extremely sick of being at home. In the first lockdown I almost relished the extra time I had and I'm trying to rebuild that momentum during this one too. Spend time looking after yourself; self care is more important than ever and is certainly something that gives me more confidence. Dedicate a whole day to self-care if you're able to; despite only being at home, work or the supermarket I still feel a million times better with painted nails and a hint of fake tan.


Don't give up

Easier said than done, but I'm determined to get out of this whole sorry year (plus however much longer) just as confident as I was going into it. Keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and you can only build on that.


How have you been keeping your confidence up in lockdown?


Amy x


Comments

  1. These are all such valid points and I love that you've addressed this aspect of multiple lockdowns! I definitely think staying in so much isn't good for anyone - whether someone is an introvert or extroverts, it takes its toll on mental health, for sure! Look after yourself Amy and this was a beautifully written post :)

    aglassofice.com x

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Gabrielle, hope you're doing okay! xx

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  2. Thats a great idea. Love it so much!

    Love,
    ALexandra R, | Style Backless Tops Outfit

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  3. I love the cardigan worn backwards! And you're right it does feel a bit strange getting back into the normal world after lockdown! I'm forever worried I'm not standing the right distance from people and a few times I've noticed I've over or under stepped with those big markers on the ground, haha! It's hard to adjust to the new normal.

    I'm lucky I've been working from home so I'm still getting that side of things going to help keep me focused and productive - hopefully your lockdown is over soon, as we know here they can just come out of nowhere but they really can make a difference. it's always worth it when it's over!

    Hope you are having a nice weekend :) We are celebrating Lunar New Year today :)

    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete

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