Confidence, according to the Oxford dictionary, is “a belief and an assurance in one's own abilities (self-confidence) or the abilities of another.” On top of that, building confidence as a woman requires practice. Below, we discuss some options on how to establish lasting confidence for a woman in her 50s.
Etiquette:
Etiquette is not taught to most of us from a young age; taking some time to learn the different expectations around a table will alleviate any stress when walking into a social gathering in the future. Being prepared for a situation is one of the best confidence tips that we can give ourselves.
If you would like to watch a Netflix series, we recommend "Mind Your Manners" by Sara Jane Ho.
International etiquette teacher Sara Jane Ho helps people become their best selves through good manners in this heartwarming makeover series.
If you are looking for a youtuber who continually provides more information as the months pass, we recommend “Basic Manners Everyone Should Have" by Jamila Musayeva. Over the years of working as an etiquette consultant, Musayeva has written down a good checklist of most commonly broken etiquette rules. These rules are very simple, at first glance, yet most are often overlooked.
Get to Know Yourself
Change is the only constant in life. Even though we know that it is something that we need to experience, it does not always make it easier - often our self-esteem struggles with the unfamiliarity of who you have become and the changes in life.
Big changes can make you question who you are and what you really want out of life. Take this time to get to know yourself and what makes you tick. Find your true identity. It can help to keep a journal, or even talk to a mental health professional to discover who you are and what you want.
Learn A New Skill
Some fun new self-taught things to start up are: a new instrument, language, writing, practising yoga, or picking up a project like gardening.
Hair
Your hair is on the crown of your head - a good haircut is a large part of how you are perceived by yourself and by others. makeover refreshes how you look; if it is a hair colour or a big chop, some change might be what brings back that innate confidence to your appearance.
Exercise Regularly
Shedding weight during menopause might be tricky for most women, therefore it is essential to keep our bodies moving. This will help maintain a healthy weight, improve physical health, and decrease the frequency of hot flushes.
Be aware that in your 40s a lot of the high impact cardio exercises that are popular among younger people may not be good for your joints. If you lift weights, enjoy running, and do a lot of cardio, a good pair of trainers and joint supports are a good investment.
Feel more confident in a heartbeat
1. Change your posture by standing up tall with your shoulders back
2. Strike a power pose. Hold for a minute and feel the power move through you.
3. Breathe to get more oxygen circulating in your body. When we feel anxious or nervous our breathing gets shallow, so deeper breaths will diminish those feelings.
4. Recite affirmations
5. Wear matching underwear
6. Put on high heels
7. Accept compliments rather than batting them away
8. Listen to a hypnosis recording
9. Control the scroll (identify who makes you feel bad about yourself on social media and then muted or unfollowed them)
Detach self-esteem from male attention.
Self-Care Is Self-Love
Menopause can be a very challenging time, and it’s crucial to take care of your physical and emotional well-being at home as well as at work. Practice self-care by indulging in activities that make you happy, fulfilled, and relaxed. You can take a long, relaxing bath, read a good book or listen to soothing music – whatever helps you connect most with your inmost self. By doing what you enjoy and setting time for yourself away from your responsibilities every day, you’ll be able to relieve some of the stress that comes with menopause.
In our fast-paced, often demanding lives, there’s a common misconception that taking time for self-care is a selfish act. Some people feel guilty or believe they should prioritise the needs of others above their own. However, this mindset couldn’t be further from the truth.
Ignoring self-care can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health issues. So it’s essential to shift the perspective and understand that self-care is an investment in yourself, which ultimately benefits everyone around you.
Self-care encompasses a wide range of activities, and it’s highly personalised. The key is to engage in activities that rejuvenate and replenish your energy and spirit. These activities can vary from person to person, but should always make you feel refreshed and recharged.
For some, it might be a solo hike in nature, where you can connect with the outdoors and clear your mind. Others find solace in a quiet moment with a good book, allowing them to escape into a different world and relax. And for many, a spa day is a luxurious treat that pampers the body and calms the mind.
When you consistently make time for self-care, something remarkable happens: you start to feel more confident. Why? Because self-care demonstrates that you value yourself and your well-being. It’s a clear message to yourself that you are deserving of care and attention.