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How to Increase Your Self-Esteem in 5 Steps

January 28, 2023 by Lakeisha Ethans

Having strong self-esteem can help you make the most out of life. Unfortunately, self-esteem does not come naturally to everyone. But, for many of us, it is a skill we need to cultivate throughout our lives. Building this skill can increase our confidence, self-worth, and overall happiness. Read on to discover five simple steps to increasing your self-esteem today.

How to Increase Your Self-Esteem in 5 Steps

Do you see any of these signs of low confidence?

1. Identify If There Are Times When Your Confidence Feels Lower And Learn Strategies To Cope With These Events

Experts suggest that triggers often bring on low self-esteem. These triggers can include a disagreement with a loved one, having a high-pressure event at work, and going through a significant life-changing event such as moving cities. If you find yourself experiencing negative thoughts about your self-worth and value, try to see if there is a broader pattern throughout your life of when these thoughts become better or worse.

Doing this is not so you can avoid potential triggers. Usually, triggers are events that are unpredictable or unavoidable. However, being mindful of these triggers can aid you in preventing damage to your self-esteem by learning strategies to cope during these difficult times.

How to Cope

Let’s say you are interviewing for a new job and are not accepted for the position. Of course, this would be a hit to anyone’s ego, but for some people, it can damage their self-esteem permanently. However, you can take some proactive measures to ensure that you leave that interview with your confidence intact. This is why it is beneficial to identify potential triggers because it gives you the space to prepare for them mentally.

For example, going into your job interview, you could repeat a series of encouraging mantras such as these:

“You are qualified for this job, and it is not a reflection of your abilities if another candidate is chosen.”
“This is a great opportunity, but another amazing opportunity is just around the corner.”
“You will walk out of this interview is the same amazing person you were when you walked in.”

Often, in situations where we feel inadequate, it is because an inner voice tells us that is the case. Consider events that might be stressors and how you can thrive with your self-esteem intact.

2. Develop A Self-Care Strategy Through Physical And Mental Wellness

Taking care of our body and mind is essential for every aspect of our lives. It seems simple, but devotion to wellness can improve self-esteem. Although we are taught from a young age that sleep, exercise, nutrition, and mental health are crucial parts of life, it can be easy to lose sight of that sentiment. This is especially the case when life becomes busy, and we forget to prioritize these parts of ourselves.

The positive impact of physical exercise and fitness on self-esteem is undeniable. This doesn’t mean you must become a marathon runner or a powerlifter. Implementing moments of movement throughout the day is beneficial, no matter how intense it is. For example, if you do not enjoy intense days at the gym, going for a brisk walk or signing up for yoga lessons can be a great no-pressure way to start moving daily.

You might think that exercise improves our self-esteem due to the physical changes that might accompany it. But, in reality, whether the appearance of your body changes or not, exercise is still beneficial for self-esteem as it creates a mind-body connection and gives us more energy.

Likewise, nutrition and sleeping habits can contribute to your self-esteem. The basic premise is that when you don’t feel healthy and good in your own body; your self-image may be negatively impacted. It is fun to have a treat or pull an all-nighter every once and a while, but when these become daily or nightly activities, they can alter our confidence and overall health. Eating more nutritious foods and trying to get a good night’s sleep are great steps to improving self-esteem.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself To Other People to Increase Self-Esteem

It is part of human nature to compare ourselves to others. However, constantly comparing yourself to those around you can lead to feelings of jealousy, inadequacy, and reduced self-worth. Nowadays, it is easier than ever to compare yourself to others due to the prevalence of social media platforms. Experts agree that social media increases social comparison and consequently harms self-esteem issues.

Social media is a place where everything is polished to make a better version of reality. As a result, it is very easy to feel like you are not beautiful enough, smart enough, or rich enough to be of value in the world. Even if you are not on social networking sites, these feelings exist whether you are comparing yourself to a neighbor, your colleagues, or your friends. However, if you seek internal validation rather than external validation, your self-esteem is likely to skyrocket.

Comparing Yourself to Others

Does it matter if you have the fanciest car, the whitest teeth, and a prestigious career? Will those things even make you happy? Comparing your life to those around you can make you feel like you’re supposed to be someone you might not even want to be in the first place. The urge to compare yourself to others steps from the ideals that society pushes onto us. Furthermore, if you seek inner happiness, there is no need to show off how much money you make or how good you look in a swimsuit.

The best way to stop comparing yourself to others is to realign your thoughts. Try to gain insight into what makes you admire your friends and family. Is it the objects they possess or their good looks? Or is it how they always make you laugh at the right moments or give you the best hugs? When we leave comparison in the best, it makes us increase confidence and be genuine with the people we cherish the most.

If you find that social media increases your need to compare yourself to others, it is always a good idea to try a social media detox. Take a break from the apps and reconnect to reality. Even if you slowly go back to scrolling and connecting with friends, a short break to work on your self-esteem will make you feel better in the long run.

4. Invest In Surrounding Yourself With Positive And Supportive People

Believe it or not, the people we choose to dedicate time to may influence our self-esteem. While most of the work on improving self-esteem comes from within, it is beneficial to examine the values and attitudes of your social circle. For example, if your friends prioritize outside appearances and signs of status and prestige, there might be more social pressure for you to conform to their expectations.

So how do you know if your friends are impacting your self-esteem? Reflect on your relationships with different people. There might be some people you feel good being around and others you leave feeling worse than before. If your friends make negative or critical comments on superficial parts of you, that could be a sign that they are contributing to your low self-esteem.

That is not to say you need to cut these people out of your life. It is more about delegating and prioritizing your time to those who lift you rather than those who put you down. Place more value on relationships that are supportive, kind, and loving. When you surround yourself with those who value and uplift you, chances are it will be easier for you to start working on your self-esteem.

5. Self-Esteem Will Focus On Improving The Areas That You Know You Are Good In

One great way to build self-esteem is to work on skills and areas in our lives that we are already confident about. Research shows that directing our thoughts to our strengths and the areas we excel can do wonders for boosting our self-esteem. It reminds us of what we bring to the world and encourages us to value ourselves. One easy way to begin emphasizing your strengths is to list them.

If it feels difficult to think of things to add to this list, try imagining if you are a friend or loved one seeing yourself from the outside. It is usually easy to name the things we love and appreciate about those around us. Giving ourselves the same compassion we give others allows us to view ourselves more positively. Keep this list somewhere; you can quickly look at it when you lack confidence.

If you can look at it once a day, even better! Repetition is essential when changing negative thoughts and feelings into positive ones. Reminding yourself of what you bring to the table is vital. Another way to build self-esteem is to pour more time and energy into your strengths. If you are proud of your ability to think outside the box, try picking a hobby that cultivates your creativity. Think painting, writing, or music.

If you are proud of your skills in the kitchen, try making a batch of cookies to share with your loved ones and neighbors. Or, if you are proud of your ability to persevere through hard times, try volunteering with those less fortunate than you who have gone through similar ordeals. Tapping into these strengths in a physical and new way can help you realize your value and talent.

Final Thoughts On How To Increase Your Self-Esteem and Gain Confidence

Self-esteem is something that most people struggle with. Whether you feel bad about how you look, how others see you, or how much money you have, there are many ways to push aside these insecurities and begin living your life to the fullest. If you are looking to start increasing your self-esteem, these five steps are a great place to start.

20 Self-Image Quotes for When Feeling Less Than Beautiful

January 28, 2023 by Sarah Barkley

Your self-image plays a role in your life and can determine if you feel good about yourself. Struggling with self-esteem and self-confidence can make you feel like you aren’t beautiful. However, using self-image quotes can help remind you of what makes you beautiful inside and out.

A negative self-image can lead to comparing yourself to others or judging yourself too harshly. It can also make you feel unworthy of experiencing or receiving good things. Overcoming these negative feelings can help you think better of yourself while improving many areas of your life.

Embracing good traits and qualities can be hard when you believe negative things about yourself. It hinders your ability to love yourself and live up to your potential.

Reading quotes can help you embrace the things about yourself you typically criticize. It can help you embrace what makes you different and see yourself better. When you find a quote that resonates with you, write it down and keep it handy to reference when you need a reminder.

Twenty Self-Image Quotes to Feel Confident and Beautiful

These quotes can help you view your differences as your best traits. You’ll recognize that what makes you different is also what makes you beautiful. These quotes will help put it into perspective for you.

1 – “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

When you stay true to who you are, you won’t feel the need to be accepted by other people. You’ll feel beautiful knowing you are showing the world who you are. Being yourself is one of the best ways to feel beautiful and experience more self-confidence.

2 – “You should feel beautiful and you should feel safe. What you surround yourself with should bring you peace of mind and peace of spirit.” – Stacy London

London explains you should only surround yourself with people who make you feel good. Spend your time with those who make you feel as beautiful as you are. Feeling safe with them is also essential so you feel free to be yourself while maintaining peace.

3 – “There is nothing to do except to be just who you are. You have the right to feel beautiful and enjoy it.” – Miguel Angel Ruiz

Living up to other people’s expectations will never make you feel good. Feeling good requires being yourself and staying true to who you are. When you feel good about yourself, you’ll remember your self-worth.

4 – “Beautiful isn’t something you become. It’s something you realize you are.” — Vironika Tugaleva

You can work for hours on your appearance and still not feel beautiful. It’s something you must work on from within.

5 – “Document the moments you feel most in love with yourself—what you were wearing, who you were around, what you’re doing. Recreate and repeat.” – Warsan Shire

When you need a self-esteem boost, reflect on when you last felt good about yourself. You can create more situations like that one to embrace your life and love yourself.

6 – “I feel beautiful when I’m at peace with myself. When I’m serene when I’m a good person when I’ve been considerate of others.” – Elle Macpherson

Finding inner peace can help you feel more self-confidence. When you feel good within, you’ll also embrace who you are on the outside.

7 – “Body image is as simple as making the choice to love yourself despite your shortcomings—to embrace your whole self and not let others dictate how you feel about your body.” – Paige Fieldsted

When you love yourself despite your flaws, it helps improve your self-image. You’ll feel better about yourself when you stop letting others tell you how you should look.

8 – “Despite the message of self-doubt and inadequacy hammered home by the beauty industry, the truth is simple: If you feel gorgeous, you’ll look gorgeous.” – Anita Roddick

Society might try to convince you that you must look like a model, but it’s not a realistic image. Don’t compare yourself to others because all that matters is if you like how you look.

9 – “You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.” — Amy Bloom

No one is perfect, and the sooner you accept it, the sooner you can love yourself. As Bloom explains, you are beautiful despite your imperfections.

10 – “Like anyone else, there are days I feel beautiful and days I don’t, and when I don’t, I do something about it.” – Cheryl Tiegs

You won’t feel great about yourself every day, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t beautiful. As Tiegs explains, you’ll have fluctuating days.

11 – “In a superficial world, body image is everything. But in a world filled with substance, a beautiful mind, heart and soul are everything. The second world does not exist because the ego overpowers the heart. And the first world will continue to exist until the heart overpowers the ego.” — Suzy Kassem

Your self-confidence might plummet if you measure it against the superficial world. Take a step back and consider your mind, heart, and soul. These areas of your life are what show your beauty.

12 – “It’s my choice to be beautiful. It’s my choice to be ugly. And it’s my choice to decided what those words actually mean.” — Virginia Petrucci

You get to choose how you feel, whether you think you are beautiful or not. Remembering this quote can help you remember that you get to decide how you feel.

13 – “I think that glamour is about confidence. I think however somebody feels beautiful, that’s glamour.” – Kate Upton

You don’t have to look like someone else to feel or look good. Instead, do what you like and what feels good for you because glamour is all about.

14 – “I am of opinion that there is nothing so beautiful but that there is something still more beautiful, of which this is the mere image and expression, a something which can neither be perceived by the eyes, the ears, nor any of the senses; we comprehend it merely in the imagination.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero

Everyone has different traits and qualities, making the world special. It’s hard to compare one another’s beauty because people have so many beautiful differences.

15 – “When I lay my head on the pillow at night I can say I was a decent person today. That’s when I feel beautiful.” – Drew Barrymore

Being a good person is one of the best ways to improve your self-image. Helping others and doing what you can for people shows what a good person you are on the inside. Then, it radiates through you and lets people see how beautiful you are.

16 – “For once, you believed in yourself. you believed you were beautiful and so did the rest of the world.” — Sarah Dessen

When you learn to love yourself and improve your self-image, you’ll notice improvements all around you. Feeling good about yourself allows others to see you at your best. Then, as Dessen explains, they’ll see your beauty shine through.

17 – “To me, there is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.” —Steve Maraboli

Being yourself is one of the best ways to embrace the beauty and increase self-confidence. All it takes is to be true to who you are and not try to change for anyone else. Embrace what makes you different and let everyone around you enjoy the natural beauty.

18 – “The beautiful thing is that you can change your self-image, just like you can change everything else in your life if it is not serving to enhance it.” — Robin S. Sharma

You can change any part of your life you don’t love, including your self-image. When you don’t want to feel bad about yourself anymore, you can focus on what makes you feel good.

19 – “There is no dictionary in the world that includes the words ‘skinny’ or ‘fat’ under the definitions of ‘beautiful’ and ‘ugly’. So, focus on being healthy and stop the self-criticism.” — Maddy Malhotra

When thinking of your self-image, you should avoid labeling your body in detrimental ways. Negative self-talk will only worsen your self-confidence rather than help you overcome your issues. This quote reminds you that there isn’t a negative definition, allowing you to embrace positivity.

20 – “How I feel about myself is more important than how I look. Feeling confident, being comfortable in your skin that’s what really makes you beautiful.” – Bobbi Brown

How you look won’t matter if you don’t feel good about yourself. You’ll feel bad even when you look great if you have a negative mindset about who you are. Learning to be comfortable as you right now make beauty shine through.

Final Thoughts on The Positive Quotes to Boost Your Self-Confidence

Everyone has times when they don’t feel good about themselves, and their self-image decreases. Using reminders can help you shift your mindset and maintain positive self-talk.

These quotes come from people who have been in your situation before. They don’t always feel beautiful, and these quotes reflect how they overcome the self-confidence issue. Remember that you are beautiful and worthy, and let these quotes remind you of how much.

15 Foods to Melt Belly Fat (Without Exercise)

January 27, 2023 by Chris Butler

The rate of obesity in this country is astronomical. Those with extra weight are more prone to conditions like type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. While exercise is an excellent option for helping with belly fat (or love handles) and an overall reduction, food can be just as beneficial.

Is exercise combined with eating a healthy idea the ideal way to trim down your body? Absolutely! However, some cannot find the time or have limitations restricting them from exercising. These foods can help those who cannot commit to exercising, but consistency is key. It will take longer to shed weight without the movement.

Have you heard that you are what you eat? Well, if you consume a diet of soda, candy bars, and fast food, it’s only natural to have a midsection that’s growing along with love handles. However, it can be a powerful defense if you eat certain foods, like vegetables, lean meats, and other healthy options.

You must create a negative energy balance to achieve your goal weight. You can lose stubborn abdominal fat by reducing calories and altering your macronutrient composition. Consuming more fruits and vegetables will increase your vitamins, minerals, and fiber intake.

Fifteen Foods to Help with Belly Fat and Love Handles (Without Exercising)

Have you ever heard someone say they got fat eating apples, kale, or broccoli? No! People gain weight by eating fatty food loaded with simple carbohydrates.

The best way to combat fat cells is by consuming nutritious plant-based protein and fiber. If you want to eliminate that stubborn belly fat that plagues you, here are some foods to incorporate into your diet.

Try these belly fat busting foods:

1. Eggs

The incredibly nutritious egg may be just what you need to diminish love handles and attack fat cells. Eggs are versatile; you can eat them scrambled or fried, or mixed in a dish. Not only do eggs have a high vitamin D level, but their increased protein will keep you fuller for extended periods. It’s also beneficial because they can boost your metabolism as the amino acids in them help burn calories before it becomes fat.

2. Oatmeal

There are many oatmeal varieties, but the best type to help get you the lean body you desire is made from steel-cut oats. Buying a box of sugary instant oatmeal in the store doesn’t provide the same benefits as making them at home. Quick oats are also good, but they don’t have the nutritional structure of steel-cut ones as they go through more processing.

Oatmeal is full of fiber and can help with your belly fat. Additionally, eating oatmeal can help to fill your stomach, so you eat less during the day. It’s hailed as fantastic for your overall health, so if you need to get rid of fat quickly, try adding this revered grain to your diet.

3. Salmon

When it comes to salmon, it’s all about the omega-3s. The National Library of Medicine shows that people who consumed this nutrient-dense fish received terrific health benefits. Eating salmon twice a week reduces cholesterol levels, the chance of heart disease, and abdominal fat. The lean protein in this fish will enhance your satiety and rev up your metabolism, which will combat those stubborn fat cells.

4. Avocados

You’re likely not surprised to see avocados on this list. These green fruits have got a lot of hype nowadays as a nutritional powerhouse. A study showed that participants who ate just one avocado daily lost weight and had lower cholesterol levels.

5. Dark Chocolate

You don’t have to give up all chocolate if you have a sweet tooth. Switching to a dark variety can benefit your weight loss journey. Dark chocolate is a super-food you need to help reduce fat storage in your body. Not only will it get rid of stubborn fat cells, but it will also decrease your hunger and appetite.

6. Chickpeas

Middle Eastern countries have considered garbanzo beans a part of their diet for centuries. The lowly chickpea may not be great by themselves, but they can be whipped up into a delicious hummus or made into a sauce for whole wheat pasta. The health benefits of this lowly legume are undeniable.

Chickpeas provide lean proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can improve digestion and give you a nice serving of B vitamin folate. Getting your appetite under control is the key to combating belly fat, and chickpeas are a great addition to your diet to help fill you up.

7. Yogurt

Just like oatmeal, you must be careful when buying yogurt. The dairy section is loaded with delicious yogurts, but they’re not nutritious. The amount of sugar in these items is staggering.

Plain yogurt is a very effective food to help with overall weight loss. It can help to control your hunger, which makes you reduce your overall daily intake. Another benefit is that this dairy product helps to reduce fat storage by controlling insulin, which is great for those pesky love handles.

8. Nuts

Peanuts are among people’s top choices, but many other nuts can also fight fat cells. The high protein content and helping heap of good fat they provide can help improve insulin sensitivity and eliminate abdominal baggage. Try incorporating pistachios, almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts into your snacking rituals.

9. Broccoli

Gut fat is also called visceral, and it’s a common problem among those who are overweight. However, eating dark green vegetables like broccoli can help with this stubborn body fat. You can’t go wrong with broccoli as you can use it in omelets, and soups, eat it with low-fat dressing as a snack or steamed to perfection. It will reduce the risk of type II diabetes and is terrific for your heart health.

10. Grapefruit

Ask any dieter what’s one fruit on their list, and you will likely hear them all say grapefruit. It’s one of the most effective foods at helping to reduce your midsection and stubborn fat cells. Grapefruit can help with your insulin levels and keep your cholesterol in check. Best of all, it can be eaten for breakfast or made into a juice to drink.

11. Quinoa

Ditch the rice and switch to quinoa. This fiber-rich food is necessary to increase your metabolism and reduce food cravings. Not only does quinoa have fewer calories than rice, but it’s loaded with more protein.

Another benefit is that this grain falls on the lower end of the glycemic index, so those with diabetes can enjoy this grain without worrying about blood sugar levels.

12. Sprouted Bread

While low-carb living encourages life without bread, most people need some bread. Sprouted bread is an option for those who want to lose their love handles but still need a sandwich or two. Be prepared as this isn’t a regular loaf, as this type of bread has a distinct taste and texture.

This bread contains vitamins C and B, fiber, and folate, but the powerhouse comes from those spouted grains. In the early germination process, the grains are made into flour. It makes it easier to digest and can help you get rid of belly fat.

13. Tofu

Tofu is made from coagulated soybeans, and you either like it or you don’t, as there doesn’t seem to be any middle ground. It’s popular in Asian cuisine but also an excellent source of lean protein for vegetarians.

The soy isoflavones are great for helping you reduce your love handles. Mix it into a smoothie or shake if you can’t eat it whole. It takes on the flavor profile of whatever it’s mixed with, which makes it a practical option to get simple health benefits for less money.

14. Lemons

Do you add lemon to your water? To achieve weight loss, you need to up your water intake. Adding lemon to that water may be just what you need to get rid of stubborn fat. Lemon is one of the most versatile fruits, as you can use them in desserts, sauces, turn it into a drink, or flavor just about anything.

This fruit is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with fiber, citric acid, vitamins C and B6, and other robust nutrients. Lemons are another economical addition to your diet, making them easy to incorporate.

15. Beans

Remember the old rhyme “Beans, beans good for your heart?” Well, there’s some truth in this funny chant. Beans are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can lower cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar, and keep you fuller for longer.

These healthy and nutritious legumes come in numerous varieties. The things you can do with these lean plants are immense. You can refry them and add them to a tasty Mexican dish or have them with cornbread as a meal. If you’re looking for an economical way to get rid of belly fat, you should look no further than beans.

Final Thoughts on Reducing Love Handles and Belly Fat (Without Hitting the Gym)

Some folks make weight loss much harder than it needs to be. It would help if you reduced your caloric intake to lose fat. When you eat more fruits and vegetables and incorporate some of the other foods listed above, you will find the belly fat melts away.

The real struggle is changing a lifetime of eating habits, as it won’t happen overnight. Committing to your health takes time and patience. However, you can decrease your blood pressure, improve your heart health, and eliminate love handles and pesky midsection belly fat.

12 Things That Don’t Impress Self-Confident Women

January 27, 2023 by Power of Positivity

‘If you look around every corner, there’s always that nagging reminder that you could do better because you’re not good enough. Seeing all these negative images can leave your confidence at dismal levels. However, the self-confident woman isn’t swayed by what she sees or hears, as she has assurance.

It’s easy to be tilted towards negativity when you open social media. There’s always someone with more money, more time with loved ones, and those who seem to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth. It’s no wonder many people struggle with self-image, as the constant comparisons weigh heavily on your psyche.

Thankfully, you can rise above all the things that swirl around you, as you must remember that much of what you see isn’t true. An old saying was used years ago that says someone was “putting on the dog.” It simply means that you’re trying to be something you’re not.

People on social media only let you see a glimpse of their lives, and if you saw what went on behind closed doors, you might not be so envious.

NOTE: Men can also have a healthy degree of confidence. But because males display it differently, we cover them in a separate article.

Self-Confident Women Aren’t Impressed by These Twelve Things

Someone who displays confidence doesn’t care what car their neighbor drives or their social status. They’re independent and career driven, so they are busy with what’s happening in their life. The self-confident woman is a force to be reckoned with, as she knows what she wants and goes after it.

If you’re trying to impress this fantastic lady, you might want to use diverse tactics. What will make some girls turn their heads won’t work for her. Here are some things that won’t impress that lady with a great self-image.

1. Self-Confident Women Do Not Play the Blame Game

One thing a self-confident lady despises is someone who’s always pointing fingers at others. If you’ve done something wrong, she expects you to admit fault. She’s not afraid to say when she’s made a mistake, which is why many people admire her tenacity.

If you don’t have enough confidence to admit when you’re wrong and learn and grow from it, this woman isn’t going to put you in her inner circle.

2. Pleasing Everyone Else

Independence comes from being free from the opinions and beliefs of others. A highly confident woman doesn’t live her life to please someone else. She wants to make herself happy, so she knows she might offend a few.

Being true to herself is at the top of the list, so she doesn’t want you to be a person who is always trying to maintain your status. Nothing will push her away further than a person who lives to be in the limelight and rides on the significance of pleasing people.

3. Self-Confident Women Do Not Compare Themselves with Others

Having a high confidence level means you don’t compare yourself with others. She doesn’t care what degree you have or how much money is in your bank account. She works hard in her career and doesn’t have time for such petty games. She’ll walk the other way if you’re name-dropping and constantly flaunting your wealth.

4. Making Fun of Others

A self-confident woman would never put someone else down to make herself feel better. Additionally, she doesn’t like to see other people struggling and going through hard times, as it doesn’t make her feel like more of a winner.

She loves to help others and will lift them when they’ve fallen. So, if you want to impress her, you won’t put others down in her presence. She sees it as distasteful and shallow.

5. Self-Confident Women Do Not Overthink Things

Overthinking is constantly meditating on things. The person continually overthinks and picks apart every piece of an issue until it consumes them. While you may be prone to overthinking, it will be off-putting to the confident woman.

She doesn’t like people who can’t make decisions and overanalyze everything to the point of madness. She wants you to make the best choices and let the chips fall where they may. Overthinking can be crippling, as it often coincides with an anxiety disorder.

According to an article by Concordia University, this is a common problem. Thankfully, you can overcome it. They suggest using the acronym R.A.I.N.

R – Recognize that your anxiety is getting the best of you.

A – Accept and acknowledge your feelings.

I – Investigate and uncover where these feelings are coming from, so you can stop them.

N – Non-Identify means to realize that this is probably coming from anxiety, and you can’t let fear dictate your need to make decisions.

6. People Who Are Afraid of Vulnerability

Just because she’s self-confident and driven doesn’t mean she’s afraid to show her emotions. She wants you to be honest with her, and it’s okay for a man to cry in her presence. While you might see it as a weakness, she sees it as a strength. Showing your vulnerability with a self-confident woman is never a bad thing.

7. Avoiding Hard Things

Some folks will walk a mile away to avoid doing something challenging. Confident people know they don’t like doing those things, but they push themselves because they know life isn’t always easy. They have enough faith in themselves to know that even though the task is challenging, they can do anything they want.

Having confidence like these ladies means you won’t back down from things that build character. She will appreciate that quality in you.

8. External Validation

People constantly seeking external validation is a big turnoff to a self-confident woman. Folks who look to others to feel validated are dangerous. She likes people to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and she wants her inner circle to be folks who keep it real.

Just because she has strength doesn’t mean that she keeps up with trends, and she never bases her self-worth on the opinion of others. If you want her to turn away from you, then constantly needing validation from her and others is the way to do it.

9. Self-Confident Women Do Not Expect Perfection

Her independence has cost her greatly, as she’s fallen many times during the learning process. Perfection is more of a state of mind. Sure, she’s a high achiever who likes to get things right, but she knows she’s not perfect.

She doesn’t want anyone coming around her with demands for perfectionism, as she knows this mindset is about control. She has realistic expectations for herself and others and expects you to do the same.

10. Compromising Boundaries

Part of having confidence means having boundaries and staying grounded. The self-reliant woman is strong and knows when to say “no” to others. She doesn’t give in to peer pressure to act or live in a certain way, as she’s aware that she only needs to please and be happy for herself.

11. Playing Games

The self-confident woman doesn’t like to play games. She doesn’t need anyone in her life who manipulates her with their toxic narcissism. Another thing she despises is someone that brags about being so much better than others, as she sees everyone as equals.

Confidence allows a person to be proud without bragging, and she doesn’t have time for the manipulative game player.

12. Self-Confident Women Do Not Use the Victim Card

Many people have been through horrific things in life. However, you must learn to rise above those things and help others. When someone plays the victim card, it’s a big turnoff to someone who overcame many obstacles.

The self-confident lady has weathered her share of storms in life, but she doesn’t use her trials as a crutch. She doesn’t blame shift, is confident enough to admit when she’s wrong, and never sees herself as a victim. According to an article published on the Master’s Seminary, there’s a certain allure to using a victim mentality.

People who see themselves as victims get special treatment as people feel sorry for them. They think it gives them a right to complain about their life, and people will listen empathetically. Lastly, being a victim gives people a sense of belonging.

The confident woman might be a “victim,” but she will never use that to get ahead. She cries on her pillow at night and gets up for work the following day. Her silent strength and resilience are what power her for greatness.

Final Thoughts on Impressing the Self-Confident Women

Ladies with confidence on the inside possess quiet strength and resilience that power them for greatness. She doesn’t have time to gossip or put others down, as she’s too busy to worry about what others are doing.

She’s a great person to have as a friend or a lover, as she’s grounded and has good self-esteem. Having this independent woman in your life is a blessing, as she’s what most people aspire to be.

10 Ways to Tell Men They’re Attractive (Without Talking About Sex)

January 27, 2023 by Sarah Barkley

Telling a man he’s attractive isn’t always easy. It can be scary to admit your feelings, or you might be unsure how to do it. These tips can help you reveal your attraction to someone without discussing sex.

Telling a man that he’s attractive can boost his confidence and promote your relationship. It will make him feel desirable and boost his self-confidence. Whether you want to tell your boyfriend he’s attractive or talk to someone new; these tips can help.

You might be afraid to let someone know you think they’re attractive because you’re unsure how they’ll react. However, it’s always worth it because you’ll know if it’s a relationship that can move forward.

When he knows you appreciate his appearance, it’ll make him feel good and want you more. These tips will send your message without going too far.

NOTE: If you’re looking for suggestions on telling a woman she’s attractive, there’s another article you can read.

How to Tell Men They’re Attractive

1 – Show Him That You Think He’s Both Attractive and Special

Treating an attractive man like you treat others won’t let him know that you think of him differently. When you want someone to recognize how you feel, you must make it clear they’re not just another person. Do things that set him apart from others, and he’s sure to understand.

2 – Avoid Distractions When Talking to Him

When you’re near an attractive person, avoid distractions and remain present. Being present creates intimacy between the two of you without anyone having to mention it. It might help if you silence your phone, avoid multitasking, and look at them as you speak.

This tip is beneficial for established relationships and meeting someone new, so it’s helpful to anyone. It helps build a connection and lets them know you hear them. Avoiding distractions also shows them that you’re interested in them and what they have to say.

3 – Show You Find Him Attractive by Laughing When He’s Being Funny

Men love to know when someone thinks they’re funny. Laughing at his jokes shows you enjoy his sense of humor and that you’re into him. It’s a way you can treat him differently, so he knows the attraction you feel.

Sometimes laughing at his jokes will even encourage further conversation. It gives you something to discuss and breaks the ice for new relationships.

4 – Compliment Something You Like About Him

Complimenting a man is one of the best ways to tell him he’s attractive. You can tell him he’s handsome or mention something specific about his physical appearance. Men like verbal validation and are often motivated by praise, so they’ll pick up on it and recognize how you feel.

Complimenting his appearance ensures he knows that you notice him. It also shows that you appreciate what you see, letting him know you’re open to getting to know one another more. The best part is that complimenting someone can release feel-good hormones in their body.

5 – Flirt with Him and Drop Hints About the Attraction

One of the best ways to tell a man you think he’s attractive is by flirting and dropping subtle hints. Flirt without being too obvious, so you don’t make it uncomfortable. It will help you catch their attention while letting them know you like them.

Flirting with your boyfriend is helpful because it shows them that you’re still into them. When you meet someone new, flirting can help you signal that you want to know them better. It should be fun, so don’t worry too much about how they respond.

6 – Give Physical Contact to Show He’s Attractive

Touching a man will let him know that you think he’s attractive. It shows that you notice and appreciate his body.

When spending time with your partner, you can spend time cuddling with him. You can also hold his hand whenever you get the chance. However, consider being a little less obvious if you aren’t in a relationship with the man.

Engaging in physical contact with someone you’re not in a relationship with should be more subtle. You can touch the man’s arm or shoulder as you talk to them or sit a little closer than you would with others. When they notice the touch, they’ll know you think they’re attractive.

7 – Build a Personal Bond

One of the best ways to tell someone they’re attractive is by making it clear you want to communicate more often. Don’t wait for chance encounters with someone if you want them to know how you feel. Be open about wanting to stay in touch, suggesting text messages, messenger communication, or a phone call.

You can suggest hanging out if it won’t make things uncomfortable, making it clear you’re interested and find the person attractive. Spending time together is a sure way to get your message across and gives you a chance to know the man better.

8 – Let Your Eyes Reveal the Attraction

Looking into a man’s eyes shows him that he’s special to you. Hold his gaze for a few seconds before looking away. It can release oxytocin, a bonding hormone, making the two of you feel closer.

Don’t be afraid to let him see you staring at him. If he catches you, it means he’s looking back, and the encounter can spark a conversation. It’s helpful to see if there’s chemistry between you, helping you identify what you should do next.

9 – Show Excitement When You See Them

When you want someone to know they’re attractive, you should show them you’re happy to see them. It makes it clear that you think of them differently than others.

Playing it cool when they walk in the room won’t let him know that you think he looks good. Show your excitement by giving your best smile and saying hello immediately.

10 – Use Your Body Language to Show You Find Him Attractive

Your body language helps communicate your thoughts and feelings. You can signal you want to talk by standing straight and keeping your shoulders back. Meet the man’s gaze and show that you’re open to getting to know one another.

You can also show him he’s attractive by facing him with open arms. Avoid crossing your arms or clenching your fists because it can signal that you don’t want to talk to him.

How to Handle It If They Do Not Reciprocate the Attraction

One of the scary parts of telling a man they’re attractive is the risk of rejection. It happens to everyone, but that doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable and painful. Here are some things you can do if you experience rejection:

Distract Yourself

Don’t focus on rejection if the man didn’t respond the way you wanted him to. Distract yourself when you can’t stop thinking about it so you can do something more productive.

You can go out with your friends, meet new people, or take up a new hobby. Creating new memories can help you move forward and replace negative feelings with good ones.

You can also use this time to do things you’ve been procrastinating on or plan a trip you’ve always wanted to go on. Anything that makes you feel good and helps you push away thoughts of rejection can be beneficial.

Focus on Self-Improvement and Doing What You Want

Consider improving your life by reflecting on your career, goals, and progress. You can recall your dreams and assess whether you’ve stuck to your plans. Put your energy and time into self-improvement rather than dwelling on a bad experience.

Consider courses or skill-building experiences you can join to help you achieve your goals. You can also consider positive changes that help you get closer to living the life of your dreams.

Embrace Your Other Relationships

The attractive man isn’t the only person in your life. Embrace your friends and loved ones if the man you like doesn’t feel the same way. Many people think you are great, and spending time with them can help you remember your worth.

Trust That the Rejection Happened So You Can Find Your Match

When someone rejects you, tell yourself that it happened so you can find the best partner. Not everyone you feel attracted to is the one for you. Since you didn’t get what you wanted, you will remain available when the right person comes along.

Stay Hopeful – You’ll Find Someone Else Attractive Soon

It’s easy to let rejection create bitter feelings but staying hopeful can improve the situation. Try to express gratitude for what you experienced with the person because it’s part of your life journey. However, don’t let it create negativity that prevents you from finding a loving relationship.

Reminding yourself that someone out there wants to be with you can help you embrace the situation. You won’t have to force anything on the right person, and staying hopeful can help you attract them.

Final Thoughts on Telling Men They’re Attractive

Using these tips can help you tell a man they’re attractive. You don’t have to discuss sex to make your feelings clear. Subtle methods will send your message and give the man a chance to reciprocate.

You may never know how someone feels about you unless you open up a little. Don’t be afraid to tell someone they’re attractive because even if the person doesn’t reciprocate, you’ll have answers for moving forward.

10 Things That Don’t Impress Self-Confident Men

January 27, 2023 by Power of Positivity

Having sufficient confidence is often an internal struggle. Men are raised to believe they must be strong and assured, as it defines their masculinity. A guy who lacks self-confidence is seen as weak, inferior, or less than others.

While society puts these demands on men and women, the man with high esteem doesn’t put on a big show. He knows his actions will speak much louder than his words, so he lives by a certain standard. When a person lacks confidence, they’re insecure within themselves.

A guy who isn’t assured will constantly seek the approval of others to build any sense of self-worth. On the inside is where it counts the most, and the confident man understands his underlying value. He doesn’t have to prove his worth to everyone else, as he knows for himself.

NOTE: Women display a healthy self-confidence level in very different ways than men, so we address them in a companion article.

Ten Things That Self-Confident Men Aren’t Impressed By

Whether you’re looking for a friend or a lover, you should know that some behaviors are a big turn-off to the man who has confidence. If you want to get his attention, you should avoid trying to avoid the following things.

1. Self-Confident Men Avoid Creating a False Impression

Some people go into massive debt to impress others. For instance, they buy expensive cars and houses that are costly and try to obtain a certain status. However, a confident man can feel like a million bucks and live in a mobile home. He knows that making foolish choices in the hopes of impressing someone will only come back to bite in the end.

Creating a false impression isn’t showing people the real you. If you want to gain the attention of the confident man, you will learn to strip away the facades and stop trying to keep up with others.

2. Self-Confident Men Avoid Telling Little Lies

People like to make excuses because they don’t know how to be truthful. How many times have you been guilty of these telling small lies? For instance, your friend wants you to come to a party at their home.

You like your friend and want to go, but you have so many other obligations you’re exhausted. Rather than just telling the truth, you tell a little lie to say that you must work. People are always looking to push the blame onto someone or something else.

A confident man likes it when people shoot from the hip. They want folks in their life who are upfront and honest. They won’t spend time with you if you’re not honest with them.

A study by the University of Wisconsin examined how frequently people lie. The study evaluated the lives of 632 people over three months. During this period, they found that 75% of the participants lied 0-2 times each day. However, 6% of the study’s participants lied more frequently than average.

Sadly, there was 1% who got the researcher’s attention. These folks lied an average of 17 times each day. Another shocking realization from this study found that people are more apt to lie on the phone or through text than in person.

3. Being Afraid of Confrontation

Confidence means that you will stand up and fight for what’s right. Some people will avoid confrontation at all costs. Even if someone is taking advantage of them, they refuse to say anything.

They dread facing off with someone and having that confrontation. A self-confident man doesn’t like to fight and argue with folks, but they have no problem standing up for what’s right. If you do them wrong, they will tell you about it. They see people willing to stand up as having a strong backbone.

4. Self-Confident Men Do Not Hide Behind Screens

If you’ve been on social media sites, you know all about trolls. Many people find strength in hiding behind the scenes and bullying people. According to an article published by the University of Pittsburgh, they call them a cowardly group of angry individuals.

These people are known for their ability to ridicule children, teenagers, bereaved families, and minorities with ease. They further say it’s effortless for people to say hateful things because they have no relationship with the person. It will not make them lose sleep because they insulted someone else.

Men with confidence think you should say what you need to someone’s face. Only a coward would get on social media, email, or use other electronic methods to bash others verbally.

5. Trying to Do Everything Alone

There are times when everyone needs a little help. You’ve seen movies where men won’t ask for directions because it makes them feel weak or inferior. However, true confidence assures you that you don’t always have the answers. It’s okay to ask for help occasionally, especially if you’re overloaded.

6. Self-Confident Men Avoid Treating Others Poorly

A little bit of kindness can go a long way. Confidence means you don’t have to make yourself feel better by putting others down. Have you ever been to a restaurant with someone who treated the waitstaff poorly?

There’s nothing that shows poor character more than this behavior. It’s a hard job waiting tables, and dealing with the public is no picnic. Someone mean to these folks working and trying to make a living is appalling.

Men with confidence feel empathy for people who have such a hard job. They won’t hang around with those who like to put others down. It’s rude and shows a lack of manners.

7. Giving Into Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is all around you every day. There are times when you are encouraged by friends or relatives to do unscrupulous things. Having integrity and convictions means you won’t fold or bend just because everyone else is doing it.

The confidant man stands by his convictions, and you won’t persuade him otherwise. He respects and admires the same qualities in the women he dates and his friends.

8. Being Fearful of Change

Do you know that some people are paralyzed by the fear of what might happen to them? It’s normal to be anxious when you have a job interview, are going on a first date, or are short on money this month. However, someone who lives in fear lets it dominate their life.

For instance, assume you were offered a job in California that would double your income. Rather than being excited about such a prestigious offer, you think of all the things that could go wrong. Visions of earthquakes, forest fires, and landslides give you pause. When you play into these anxieties, they will only grow.

Soon, you will be thinking of traffic accidents and trying to drive on new roadways. Confident men don’t like to be around people with toxic negativity and continually fear doom and gloom. These poisonous thought patterns can rub off onto others, and confident men prefer to hang with optimistic people.

9. Self-Confident Men Do Not Jump to Conclusions

In life, you must give people the benefit of the doubt. You can’t always jump to conclusions or assume anything. How often have you thought something was one way, only to discover it was completely different?

For instance, assume your sister called you to discuss care for your mom. She was short with you and snappy with her tone. She hung up abruptly and seemed like she was mad at you, and of course, you were discussing money.

You didn’t call or see her for three weeks, as you thought you did something to upset her. Her kids made a huge mess on the floor, she had to rush and clean, and she was short because she was aggravated at them. It’s effortless to take something small and make it into a big deal.

Confident men don’t like people who jump to these rash conclusions. They would prefer you confront the situation and not harbor ill feelings over something that may not be how it appears.

10. Flashing Designer Name Brands

If you think that confident men will be impressed by your flashy brands, guess again. They don’t care if you’re wearing designer labels or something from your local big box retail store; they look at you as a person.

An old saying says you can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear, which means you can’t make yourself any better by fancy attire. Actual value comes from the inside. This man isn’t shallow and doesn’t just look at the exterior, so wearing expensive clothes isn’t going to impress him.

Final Thoughts on Impressing Self-Confident Men

Do you possess the strengths of confident men? You may be looking for a man who displays these qualities. These inner strengths give you confidence and allow you to project power without saying a word.

Having confidence means you don’t need to dress, talk, or act a certain way. You’re not interested in keeping up with others or putting on a show to be liked. Finding a man like this is a treasure, and if you’re lucky enough to have him as a partner or friend, you’re blessed.

10 Things Men Wish They Didn’t Have to Worry About

January 26, 2023 by Chris Butler

Men have the strength and the need to be the protector ingrained into them from birth. Sadly, many outside influences can affect a man’s self-esteem as well as the respect he has for himself. It’s often thought that women are the worriers, but guys worry just as much about stuff.

The difference is they’re usually not as vocal and eager to share their feelings. Guys believe they need to push through fears and put them in the back of their minds, as they must be strong. However, no man should be alone when they have doubts and questions that plague their mind, as they need comfort too.

NOTE: Women, too, have specific concerns that cause them to feel uneasy. However, their needs differ, so we cover those in a different article.

Things Men Commonly Worry About

Men are expected to pull back and retreat to themselves when they have these moments of overwhelming anxiety. Their partner might believe they’re cheating because they’re distant. No, worry is eating away his self-confidence and ability to be present. So, what do guys worry about? Here are some of the top things that cause them to fear.

1. They Worry About Earning Enough Money

Today’s society finds both men and women have an inner drive to make good money. Still, an element inside him compels him to be the provider. He feels it’s his responsibility to provide for his partner and kids, so it’s only natural for him to worry about making enough money. How can anyone respect or look up to him if he’s not giving the best life possible to his family?

2. Being a Good Father

Men worry about their children having daddy issues, especially if this is something they had to overcome in the past. According to an article published by Drexel University Libraries, when there’s a fatherly absence or paternal apathy, it can cause the child to grow up lacking.

Today the man holds just as much of an essential role in the family as the woman, but people still grow up with these issues when a relationship with their father is lackluster. Having “daddy issues” can affect self-esteem and cause deep-seated psychological problems. It’s only natural that he’s concerned about having a good relationship and spending sufficient time with his children.

3. They Worry They Will Gain Weight

Most women love a man with a teddy bear exterior, but guys worry about their weight too. They might not fret about it as much as a lady but gaining weight can mess with their self-confidence. A man doesn’t like to feel inferior to others in his office or social circle, so gaining weight can cause him to worry about how others perceive him.

4. Losing Their Hair

According to an article by the Ohio State University, the average person loses around a hundred hairs daily. You won’t notice if you lose the typical amount, but bald spots and a receding hairline appear if a man loses more than this amount. One of the biggest kicks to a man’s self-esteem is going bald too young.

Men are more apt to lose their hair before a woman, but it doesn’t mean women are immune. Some guys can rock the bald look or get hair transplant surgery, but it’s not an option for everyone.

5. Being a Good Lover

It takes skills to be a good lover, and every guy wants to satisfy their woman in the bedroom. Being skillful in the romance department helps with their self-confidence, so it’s only natural that they worry about pleasing their partner.

6. They Worry About Their Masculinity

Have you ever heard the term “macho man?” Guys need to be seen as macho and able to save their families by being the protector. It’s not uncommon for a man to worry about their masculinity. The rough, rugged cowboy with well-seasoned hands is considered sexy by most women.

They wonder if they’re strong enough, measure up, and if their lady sees them as the strong man she desires. Their self-esteem depends on them having the right amount of masculinity.

7. Being Cheated On

Why does society always picture women as the ones who are the victims of a man cheating? Guys don’t want to be cheated on, either. Sure, a study by the University of Colorado shows that men are more likely to cheat than women, but only 21 percent of guys admitted to cheating.

Many guys out there fear that their partner will be unfaithful, and it scares them to think that they’re not enough for them. How can they respect themselves if someone they love doesn’t love them enough to be faithful?

8. Making an Impact in Life

Many guys worry about leaving a legacy behind. Are they doing enough? Is there something more they could do to have an impact on their family and the world around them? A man who doesn’t feel he’s doing or being enough to those who need him the most might struggle with his self-confidence, as he always feels inadequate.

9. They Worry About Getting Old

If you thought crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles only bothered women, guess again. Men are just as concerned about their appearance. Guys try to turn back the hands of time by dying their hair, dressing younger, and doing facial treatments. They worry people won’t have the same respect for them as they age, so they try to stay young in their minds and appearance.

10. Losing Their Job

There’s always someone more intelligent, more educated, and with greater skills that can come in and take a job from a hardworking man. His self-confidence might not be able to suffer a blow from a job loss where he felt deficient. He knows he needs to take care of his family and himself, so he worries about his ability to keep his job in this challenging market.

11. What To Talk About on Date Night

Going on a date brings out all kinds of nerves and butterflies. Ladies wonder what they should talk about and if there will be long periods of silence, but guys also wonder about that stuff. He wants a woman to respect him and think he’s worthy of a second date, and he’s terrified he will say the wrong thing.

12. Not Attractive Enough

He might be a man who looks in the mirror and sees all the flaws and imperfections rather than the true masterpiece. He worries about his looks and if he will ever find someone to love him for who he is and what he looks like. It affects his self-esteem, especially if he’s still a bachelor after 30.

13. Finding a Life Partner

He worries about finding someone to grow old with in this life. Getting to a certain age and not finding a soul mate is hard on both a man and a woman.

The need to have a lover and someone to share all your secrets with is just a part of life. He might struggle with self-confidence if his friends and family members have all found their special someone and he’s still a party of one.

14. Health Problems

Men worry about getting cancer, an autoimmune condition, or being unable to work because of health issues. They may work out and eat right, but there’s no guarantee that a significant sickness won’t cause problems.

A man can take a major hit to their self-confidence if their health leaves them unable to provide or live the life they desire. So, they worry about their health and overall well-being.

15. The Past

Men get stuck in the past too. Emotional baggage from poor relationships and a traumatic childhood affect both genders equally. A man who can’t get over the things that happen in the rear-view mirror will struggle with their self-esteem and confidence levels.

They may feel that people can’t respect them because they didn’t grow up or have the experiences of others. The past hinders the present, and if a guy doesn’t learn to process the things that happened to him, it will affect his future.

Final Thoughts on Common Worries of Men

Men have worries that they wish they didn’t have to dominate their minds. While they might not be as eager to discuss it with you, these fears affect their self-esteem. They want you to respect them and look at them as the macho guy who can save the day, but inside there are moments when their anxieties are great.

When a man can’t stop worrying, it affects his daily life; he may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is no respecter of persons, and when a guy has trouble with chronic worrying, it can indicate a mental health concern. Encourage the guys in your life to open up about their fears, as they’re not alone.

10 Leg Exercises That Melt Fat in Under 10 Minutes

January 26, 2023 by Chris Butler

You want to lose weight and tone your body, but you likely need more time. Everyone is extremely busy these days, but you must make time for the things that keep you healthy. Leg exercises should be essential to your routine because your legs are important and take you to many places.

You can boost your metabolism, enhance your immunity, and elevate your mood when you work out frequently. Since the legs are the largest muscle group in your body, it’s only fitting that you give them proper attention. Another benefit of working your legs is that it will help burn fat quicker because working such a large group benefits your entire system.

Harvard University Health warns that your muscle mass begins to decline by age 25, so you need to help your system by working out more. Are you giving your legs the attention they deserve?

Simple Leg Exercises for Strengthening

Oh, the places your legs will carry you in life. It’s only natural that you want them to be stronger than ever. Here are ten simple exercises to help melt fat and strengthen your leg muscles.

1. Glute Bridge Exercise

This exercise will hit many areas, including the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings. It would help if you had a yoga mat. Here’s how:

Start by lying down on your back.
Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Bring your knees up and place your feet flat on the floor.
Next, you want to tilt your pelvis. To do this, rotate your hips backward and ensure your hips are touching the ground. If you’re doing this right, you can place your fingers onto your sides and feel the core muscles engaging.
Once your pelvis is tilted, squeeze your glutenous maximus muscle hard. Push until your core lifts off the mat and is pointed toward the ceiling.
Hold this stance for five seconds and return to the starting position on the mat.
Release the pelvic tilt and then reset it. For each rep, you need to release and reset that pelvic tilt.

2. Bulgarian Split Squat

When it comes to strengthening those legs, the squats reign supreme. These leg exercises engage many muscles, and you’ll immediately feel the burn of a good workout. It helps to add dumbbells for resistance. Here’s how:

Start by putting one knee on the ground and elevating the foot onto a stable surface.
Move your hips until the front of your body makes a 180-degree angle with your core stabilized.
Bring the other foot back so that it forms a 90-degree angle.
Put your arms down straight at your side and lean your body forward.
Your body should be in the proper position when your hands are at the side of your foot. You should feel a burn in your leg muscles as they get stronger.
If appropriately done, ninty percent of your weight will rest on the foot placed on the ground.

3. Landmine Goblet Squat

These leg exercises can strengthen the quadriceps, femoris, and gluteus maximus muscles. There’s a big difference in the landmine squat from a traditional one as the center of gravity is moving towards the weights, so there’s stability and support. It would help if you had a barbell with an appropriate weight you can handle. Here’s how:

Set your barbell so that the weights are on one side only. It shouldn’t be more than you can comfortably lift.
Stand straight, holding the dumbbell in your hand.
Go into a squat, bringing the dumbbell down with you into this stance.
Now, bring yourself back to the standing position, use the dumbbell and push against it for stability.

The leg exercises here will give you an incredible workout, but this is also very taxing on the arms and shoulders. The key is not to put more weight on the bar than you can safely handle.

4. Curtsey Lunge

This exercise goes by two names: the curtsey and drop lunge. It’s widespread in Tai Chi and among athletes. It’s helpful to make two 18-inch boxes on the floor with tape to help with your positioning. Here’s how:

Start standing with your hands in front of you like you’re praying.
Make sure you stand at the top of the boxes with your feet close to the inner edges.
Your legs should be a shoulder’s width apart.
Cross one leg behind you and do a curtsey.
Now, return to the center position and curtsey with the other leg.

You can add some resistance to this move by holding dumbbells as you move. Strive to do five reps on each side. While it doesn’t seem like you’re doing much, you will feel the muscles burning, so you know they’re getting stronger.

5. Leg Lifts

There are a couple of variations of leg lifts, but for this exercise, the position will be on your back. Here’s how:

Start by lying flat on your back on a yoga mat.
Place your legs together and ensure your feet are touching.
Lift your legs until they’re in the upward position and your body makes a 90-degree angle. Make sure your hips don’t leave the mat.
Hold the stance for 3-5 seconds and bring your legs back to the ground.

You can do other variations by turning on your sides, lifting one leg into a scissoring position, and lowering it back to the floor.

6. Nordic Hamstring Curl

These leg exercises will train your hamstrings, and they’ll be stronger in no time. It’s best done with a partner. Here’s how:

Place your knees on a pillow for support and get into a tall kneeling stance.
Have your partner hold onto the backs of your legs near your feet. You need a stronger person to do this, as they will fight against your resistance.
Now, push your body forward while your partner holds firmly to your legs. Ultimately, your goal is to reach the ground in a push-up position.

If done correctly, it helps strengthen your calf muscles and the glutes, but the hamstring is the most beneficial muscle in this maneuver.

7. Side Lunge

If you want to feel the burn and strengthening power in your legs, this Pilates move is often used with great success. Here’s how:

Stand in the middle of your mat with your hands together and roll your shoulders backward.
Sweep your leg to one side. Make sure your toes are pointing forward.
Now, lunge your body by shifting your weight towards the side where you swept your leg.
If done correctly, you will feel the burn on the opposite side as it stretches during these leg exercises.
Using the straight leg, lift up and return to the starting position.
Now, do the other side. Strive to do 3-5 repetitions on each side.

8. Fire Hydrants or Crossover Extensions

Leg exercises that work the glutes and the legs are always beneficial. Stronger, firmer legs and buttocks can be achieved with maneuvers such as this. Here’s how:

Start at a tabletop position on all fours. The hands should be aligned with the hips underneath the shoulders and the knees.
Engage your core and keep your chin tucked. Now, place your feet till they’re resting on the tiptoes.
You want to raise one leg, like a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. Hold this stance for 30 seconds.
Now, lower that leg and engage the other one.
Strive to do 5-10 repetitions on each side.

According to Dr. Nicholas A. Cooper from The University of Iowa, working the series of glute medius muscles can help with hip issues, which is directly related to how well your leg functions. Additionally, it can improve back function too. So, using these leg exercises, you’ll target some essential areas.

9. Hip Circles

This is a simple exercise that will help strengthen your legs and make your core stronger. You don’t need any equipment. Here’s how:

Start in the standing position with your hands on your hips.
Next, move your hips around in a circular motion going clockwise.
Now, switch and rotate your hips, going counterclockwise.

If you need some more resistance, add some barbells to your hands.

10. Pendulum Lunge

In this exercise, you need a strong core, glutes, and quads to do this properly. Your posture is also essential. If you have balance issues, try doing this next to a wall you can grab for support. Here’s how:

Start by standing beside the wall with your hands at your side.
Lift your right leg and lunge forward.
Now, bring your knee to the floor while keeping your core straight as you inhale.
Exhale as you come up and back to the standing position.
Now, inhale, and take the same leg back into a lunge.
Again, touch the knee to the floor.
Bring yourself back to the starting position.
Strive to do five reps on each side.

Make sure your knee is at a 90-degree angle, and for more resistance, add some dumbbells.

Final Thoughts on Leg Exercises for a Stronger, More Flexible Body

Are you ready to have more muscular legs and glutes? If you’re weary of your legs getting tired when you walk or having excess fat on them, these leg exercises can help. Find simple maneuvers you can do to bring and work your way up to ones that require more skill and equipment.

5 Things Reveal That the Universe Is Testing You

January 26, 2023 by Kristen Lawrence

Do you feel like the universe wants to send you a message lately? The universal consciousness speaks to us in various ways to guide us on our paths through life. It may direct us down roads full of twists and turns, but the universe never gives us anything we can’t handle. Sometimes, the divine consciousness puts us in demanding situations to help us grow and change, learning on our unique paths.

When you feel like throwing in the towel, remember that you’re a vital part of this cosmic drama. Without you, this temporary movie on the screen of consciousness wouldn’t be complete. Plus, a human birth offers a rare opportunity to realize your true self beyond the confines of the mind and body. Try to express gratitude to the universe during challenging times for giving you this chance to change and grow spiritually.

With that said, you might notice the universe testing you in various ways throughout your journey. Look out for the following situations as a sign that the universal consciousness wants to help you blossom.

5 Things That Prove the Universe Wants to Test You

1. The universe will test you by shaking up your life.

As they say, nothing lasts forever, but we often forget this important fact of life. It helps to remember that neither the blissful nor depressing moments endure forever. That’s because duality must exist in this universe to make divine play possible. It requires light and dark to bring consciousness to the human plane and carry out this world drama.

So, the universe may test you by putting you in a challenging situation just when your life seems relatively calm. By doing this, the all-knowing Source energy wants to help awaken you from this illusion covering the actual reality.

After all, if nothing negative ever happened on earth, no one would want to leave. Just remember to remain inwardly calm and detached when the universe disrupts your life with chaos. If you can maintain mental equilibrium in the good and bad times, you’re well on your way to conquering your ego.

2. The universe will challenge you by throwing a wrench in your plans.

We make elaborate, well-intentioned plans for our lives, and the universe laughs. That doesn’t mean our dreams will never work out as we intended or we should never have goals. However, the universal will operates differently than our will and desires.

What we want for our lives doesn’t always mesh with what divine consciousness wants. The universe has its own paths to guide us, sometimes redirecting us to bring positive change and balance to the world. In surprising ways, we’re interconnected, whether in spiritual pursuits or even in modern digital spaces like online casinos Japan has. These platforms, now attracting attention globally, symbolize a new way people seek entertainment, yet they also reveal how technology and gambling influence our lives and interactions. Remember, every experience, even in such unexpected domains, pushes us to strive for harmony, reminding us of the unseen threads that bind us all.

That means personal desires may only sometimes manifest the way we envisioned. However, keeping an open mind and aligning your vision with the universal will is important.

3. You’re experiencing discord in your relationships.

Often, the universe challenges us by making us rethink personal relationships. If someone no longer serves your best interests, the divine consciousness will try to separate you from that person. You might suddenly find yourself getting into fights or wanting space from people. That’s the universe attempting to restore peace in your life and helping you see the bigger picture.

It’s also a powerful lesson from the universe about learning to let go and become unattached from the temporary pleasures in life. Relationships are some of the most challenging attachments to overcome, but the universe wants us to remember our greater purpose. Behind human love is the all-pervading, endless love of the entire cosmos. So, by creating strife and disharmony in relationships, the universe helps us transcend our earthly nature.

4. You feel disillusioned and discontent with life.

If you suddenly lose your passion and zest for life, please try not to assume the worst. Feeling unhappy with your situation can often send you down the path of questioning your existence. Why are you here, and what’s the ultimate goal of life? After the thrill of living wears off, you might start wondering how to find lasting, perfect happiness.

When your longing for knowledge becomes intense, the universe may send you a spiritual teacher to help awaken you from your slumber. So, don’t run from or feel ashamed about any negative feelings you might have. It’s simply a message from the divine consciousness that this isn’t your home, and you don’t belong here. By sitting still and quieting your mind in meditation, you can begin your journey back to the soul.

5. The universe may test you by taking away money or material possessions.

Most people feel slightly upset when they lose money, jobs, homes, or possessions. However, when something unfortunate like that happens, it’s the universe trying to open your eyes to the fleeting nature of life. Also, the divine consciousness might want you to remember the importance of giving without expecting anything in return. In reality, we don’t own anything here – we’re simply borrowing it for a short time.

Therefore, if you experience financial troubles or lose your job, always trust that the universe knows what’s best for you. During these times, you should reflect inwardly and tune into the divine will to understand what it wants for you. Also, remember to give to your neighbors and share what you have – it will come back to you tenfold.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing How the Universe Is Trying to Change and Challenge You

Life on earth often seems tumultuous, uncertain, and frustrating. We’re thrown into this world without much instruction and expected to serve society somehow. Life doesn’t always work out as planned or envisioned despite our best intentions. The universe likes to throw us curveballs to test our inner strength and help remind us of our true nature and the need to change.

Therefore, if you have experienced difficult circumstances recently, take it as a positive sign from the universe. Pain often is an influential teacher, reminding us that we’re much stronger than we think. It also gives us a reason to look beyond this earthly realm for permanent happiness, beyond temporary sense pleasures.

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