Having a healthy self-esteem is one thing. Sustaining positive self-image, especially during tough situations, is another. So how do you remain calm and collected during those difficult times?

Fortunately, a psychologist has conducted some studies to find out how practicing certain behaviors and habits can help us feel good and become more confident.

Here are tips on how to boost your self-confidence, backed by science.

Dress for Success
Dressing up is more than just appearing attractive to others. It can also help enhance your work performance.

One research study showed that when employees wear nicer clothes, they tend to do their jobs better. Hence, what you wear can influence your thinking and negotiating skills. Your clothing can even affect your hormone levels and heart rate.

Project confidence by wearing outfits that make you look and feel good. Invest in key pieces like good-quality shoes, bags, belts, and watches. These items can really pull a look together and can be worn for years without easily going out of style.

Listen to Music
Neuroscientists found that listening to music raises positive emotions in people. Music stimulates dopamine levels in the brain to produce the “high” feeling. Hearing pleasant melodies reduces stress and anxiety, improves cognitive performance and helps people to cope well in stressful situations. 

It has been revealed that bass-heavy music provides more than just entertainment to its listeners. It also imbues them with a sense of power, producing power-related cognition and behavior.

If you are feeling a little bit down, grab those headphones and enjoy your favorite tunes for an extra shot of confidence.

Stand Straight
Standing straight is another way to boost your self-confidence. Research from top academic organizations has revealed that improving posture can enhance the brain’s functions, hence elevating your mood and memory levels.

A study by social psychologist Dana Carney showed that power poses increase testosterone levels while decreasing cortisol levels. As testosterone is linked with self-confidence, having a good posture stimulates hormones in the brain that make you feel more secure.

Practice standing up tall by pulling your shoulders back and outward. Doing this sends a signal to your brain that you are in charge of your own thinking, which in turn helps you act confidently.

Smile
Smiling is the easiest way to feel positive about yourself. In research conducted by public speaking expert Christine Clapp, grinning will make you appear both confident and composed. Scientific research suggests that smiling helps to ease stress, which in turn helps us feel comfortable and relaxed.