Confidence is an elusive and fickle thing. We spend much of our adolescence wanting to be older, then feel anxious about the future during our twenties. Then, before you know it you’re approaching fifty and wondering what happened! In fact, a study from 2018 found that the mid-thirties are the age that most women feel most confident about themselves. So after that, what happens? How do we get that feeling of confidence back after we’ve said hello to the big 50? These 5 tips and tricks make it easy to build confidence for women over 50.
You’ve Got The Look
Should your physical appearance affect your confidence? That’s another debate, really, because no matter how much we want to not care about how we look, when we feel that we look good we all feel more confident. For women over 50, we can feel unrepresented in fashion and media, and undervalued as we age. So the key is to NOT try to replicate a younger age, but to express yourself through your image. If you need a boost to try a new look, you will benefit from the base that shapewear offers. Form a strong foundation that controls any lumps and bumps and your clothes will hang from your frame in a positive way. This leaves you free to try a new look with confidence!
Strength in Numbers
Community brings confidence. We are pack animals, after all. When life, careers and families take over, you may find that your 50’s have left you out of touch with some circles of friends. Or have you found yourself thrown into relationships which actually don’t support your confidence? Take control of your community and make sure you’re gaining strength from your numbers. Remove yourself from relationships which are undermining, and seek out your ‘tribe’. By this we mean people who share your interests and support your growth.
Love of Learning
Learning new skills may be where you find these people who share your passions. Regardless of any social benefits, the act of keeping your brain active is great for confidence. The very act of learning forges new pathways in your brain, leaving you invigorated and positive. You may find that you have a previously unknown talent, or take joy in something unexpected. These revelations about ourselves are fantastic for confidence!
Fight Imposter Syndrome
Especially when we are trying something new, the ‘mind monkeys’ with their negativity can overtake your thoughts. Integral to building your confidence is controlling this inner negativity. One technique is to project outer confidence even when you feel terrified! You may feel like an imposter but as long as you project a confident persona, you will be accepted as a confident person. And you may find that this paves the way for you to feel that confidence within.
Inner Calm
This is a bit like choosing a great piece of foundation shapewear for your mind! Similar to how a control slip allows your dress to accentuate your curves, an sense of mental calm allows your interactions to flow seamlessly. Try a daily period of meditation, yoga or visualisation techniques. By eliminating mental clutter which can leave you feeling overwhelmed, these calming activities allow you to take control.
There are endless cliches that we can reel off in an attempt to soothe a dip in confidence: age is just a number… you’re as young as you feel… it’s the first day of the rest of your life! None of it matters unless you believe it. So it’s that internal belief which is vital, really. We all have our favourite ways to reinforce a core self belief. Some of us feel stronger when we present a slick image with a streamlined physical shape. Others relish that shared interest that we achieve through a sense of community. Most of us would benefit from a bit of everything. So go out and join that club, sign up for that course, and buy that bodysuit!
Becky is an author and copywriter who has been writing about women’s issues and underwear for several years. She also writes blogs which cover a range of topics for local businesses.
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