The study by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business found those who believe in their own attractiveness view themselves as having higher social status. “The finding that your assessment of yourself shapes your view of yourself and others puts power into your hands,” the authors note.

Consider how these science-based suggestions may help you put your best foot forward when dealing with everything life throws your way.

• Get moving. Regardless of your fitness goals, the fact is you’re likely to feel better physically, emotionally and mentally after you exercise. Research also shows it can improve your self-esteem.
• Ramp up your smile. Scientists say our brains are zapped with an instant mood boost when we smile, and that boost is reinforced when others smile back. Further, whiter teeth can have a direct effect on our social and professional interactions, and they’re now easy to achieve through consumer brands like Rembrandt’s 1 Week Whitening Kit that can achieve professional-level results at home within a week.
• Let your body language communicate self-respect. Keeping your shoulders pulled back and your body straight and tall communicates confidence to your brain, studies show. Research found the most empowering stance is one in which your arms are held slightly away from your torso, your body is open and your head is up.
• Optimize color in your clothing. The right shade may light up your entire face and have a surprising impact on your mood. “Choosing the color of your office, your clothes or your desktop should not be taken lightly — colors do affect our moods and productivity,” states a recent article on Scienceofpeople.com. “When given the choice, picking a color that will work with you and not against you can only help.”
• Wear scent strategically. Because our brains link certain smells to positive experiences, research suggests we may be able to ramp up our confidence with scents that remind us of happy times. That’s why aromatherapy can help alleviate anxiety, depression and sleeplessness, and improve quality of life for those with chronic health issues, confirms the Mayo Clinic.
• Bottom line: When you’re taking care of yourself and projecting your best self, you’re far more likely to project the confidence you need to deal effectively with life.

“Confidence can make or break a lot of things,” advises Lecia Bushak on Medicaldaily.com. “In our extrovert-centric society, confidence can get you a job, a girlfriend, and the courage to say no to people or situations that are toxic to you. Confidence is knowing yourself and taking care of yourself, too.”

*BPT

The post Science-based suggestions for self-confidence appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

We are all born in utter perfection; pure, wonderful and unique. Through the years, baggage and layers form as a result of beliefs, choices, communication and lifestyle. This creates layers and blocks that prevent us from being who we truly are.  We begin living and seeing and communicating through these painful layers, which creates confusion, problems and low energy, and is the illusion that we are not perfect. The key is to begin working on getting back to that authentic self.

Here are six tips and tools to get you there faster and always love, live and experience utter perfection.

1. Peel away the layers to get to the true you. This may be difficult through the process, but so worthwhile. Many people need a coach or therapist to help them with this. Taking the experiences, emotions, pain, and anything negative that is blocking your truest self, and getting to that breakthrough, analyzing it, letting it go and keeping the wisdom is key. This will leave you with the happy you, the bold, strong, brave and nonjudgemental you.

2. Embracing your own uniqueness. We all have very special or unusual qualities. Sometimes we feel that they are too silly or different to let them out. By owning these unique gifts, we present ourselves as standing out from the crowd, as our own perfection. Think of an interesting teacher you’ve had, a musician, or even a family member. Maybe their laugh, their quick wit, or even their hula hooping skills make them unique. You remember them this way, and they own who they are. You can do this too. Think of the qualities you have and begin to celebrate them.

3. Radiating out who you truly are deep inside. Create a list of at least ten things you love about you. Now decide which qualities you would like to radiate out every day. Would you like to radiate out love, living by example, enthusiasm, compassion and kindness? Decide each morning to do so and go for it. This way you are in tune with who you want to be.

4. Feel happy and fulfilled. Train your brain to be extra happy by telling yourself regularly that things, people, experiences and you yourself, make you happy.  Walk by flowers and tell yourself that they make you happy. Experience a sunset and remind your brain that this is joy. Spend time with a best friend and remind your mind that this is fulfilling. The more you train your brain that your life is  happy and fulfilling, your life will become so.

5. Create your dreams. Create your own opportunities and jump into them. Whatever you want in life, find out how to go about getting it. You can ask for help, start researching, take action and move in big and small steps toward what you wish for.

6. Touch others lives. We all have a responsibility to live by example. This means becoming the best “true us”that is possible. When we become our authentic selves, we feel happier, and can touch someone’s life by just giving them a sentence of advice, smiling or even helping them out.

Remember that true perfection is when you find your authentic self, know who you truly are and let it out, and feel amazing in your own skin. You can define perfection as your own special ideal that is the real you. How wonderful to let that out to the world and not have to be like anyone else.

The post Six Steps to Authentic Perfection appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

By Kim Somers Egelsee

Feedback is something that can magnify your life and increase your success, actions and attitude. It is a way for you to see yourself from other’s perspectives. People often become confused as to what they truly want to do in their life, what their purpose may be, or if they should really follow their passions and heart’s desire. Asking for feedback can give you so many answers.  Start today. Choose 8 people that you know. It can be a combination of those you work with, friends, people on social media and family. Email them that you are doing a project from an article that you read, and you would love for them to answer three questions.

1. How do you see me? Describe in several words.

2. What are my talents and gifts?

3. What are some constructive criticisms you can give me?

When you receive the results, you will most likely be happily surprised and have a major confidence boost. (Just the bravery of doing this exercise boosts your confidence).  You will now discover some talents that you didn’t realize that you had, traits that you can bring out even more now that you know people see you that way, a few things that you can improve, and some new career or project ideas. Now, life is different, your confidence is building, and you know how people see you.

Finally, take this information and create a plan. Brainstorm new passions, decide which traits you will emphasize and use, and watch your self esteem boost to higher plains. to think that we know how others see us, can be delusional. It also can cause uncertainty and unease if we are constantly wondering what others think of us, which can show in our demeanor and in our energy. It is extremely powerful to dare and ask other how they see you, what constructive criticisms they can give you, what talents do they think you have? Enjoy this process and see your confidence, self esteem and life soar!

The post FEEDBACK IS ONE WAY TO CONFIDENCE! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Many moms think that once they have had a child that their goddess power, sex appeal and beauty go out the door. They feel that their husband or other men don’t want to check them out. At times they feel frumpy. Well, moms can be fabulous, not frumpy. Instead, it is important to know and embrace your radiance from the power of giving birth, caring for a child and being a powerful positive parent. We can take this energy and inner beauty and power and turn it into sex appeal when needed. Take that flush in your cheeks from running around and realize that it looks like a healthy glow. Those curves from having been pregnant look very glamorous with the right clothing. The multitasking you need to do as a mother is also helpful in your career, making you look efficient and empowered. It helps if you plan dates on your calendar where you will dress up, put on make up, do your hair and let out that inner beauty and sex appeal. You will be a happier mom, and feel great about you.

Here are a few tips to help bring out your “sexy”.

1. Have an enthusiasm and excitement toward life that is contagious.

2. Love yourself and love people. Have the belief that you are worth knowing.

3. Accept your body, your life and you. Embrace your gifts. You can always improve, but love yourself now.

4. Keep a positive attitude.

5. Remember that laughter is so attractive.

6. Practice being and feeling sexy. Watch others and then see what works for you.

7. NOW; get to work!

The post YES, YOU CAN STILL BE SEXY AND A MOM appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.