Building Confidence Through Mindfulness and Meditation
Today, I want to dive into a topic that has been a game-changer for me: building confidence through mindfulness and meditation. If you’re anything like me, you might initially think mindfulness is just about sitting still and breathing deeply for hours on end. Spoiler alert: it’s not! And that’s great news for those of us with jam-packed schedules.
So, how exactly does mindfulness boost confidence? It’s pretty simple, really. Mindfulness helps you stay present and fully engaged in the moment, which in turn reduces anxiety about the future and regrets about the past. When you're not bogged down by negative thoughts, your self-esteem naturally gets a lift.
By being more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judging them, you can start to break the cycle of self-doubt. Instead of getting caught up in "I'm not good enough" or "What if I fail?", mindfulness helps you accept these thoughts as just that—thoughts. Not facts.
Let me share a bit of my own journey with mindfulness. To be honest, it took quite a bit of work to integrate mindfulness into my life. I used to think I needed to carve out huge chunks of time in the morning or evening, and that felt overwhelming. But then I discovered the magic of small, mindful moments throughout the day.
For instance, I started practicing mindfulness while boiling the kettle. Instead of scrolling through my phone, I’d look at my garden, noticing the colours, the shapes, and how the light changed. These tiny breaks not only gave me a breather but also helped me reconnect with the present moment, leaving me feeling more grounded and confident.
“That all sounds really great Jo, but I really have tried and I can’t do it. How do I get it right?
A lot of people tell me they can't meditate because their mind keeps wandering. Here’s the truth: everyone’s mind wanders. It’s completely normal. The goal of meditation isn’t to stop your thoughts but to become aware of them and gently guide your focus back. And yes, science supports this—regular meditation practice can help reduce the frequency of wandering thoughts. The more you practice, the better you get at returning to your focus.
Simple Mindfulness Exercises to Try
Now, I’d love to share a few simple mindfulness exercises that you can easily fit into your day:
1. Mindful Breathing - Take a minute (yes, just one minute!) to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a couple of seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times, and feel your mind clear up.
2. Sensory Awareness - Pick an everyday activity, like drinking your morning coffee or brushing your teeth. Pay attention to every detail—how it feels, smells, tastes, and sounds. This helps anchor you in the present moment.
3. Leaves on a Stream - This is one of my favourites, and I’ve even made a recording of it! Imagine each of your thoughts as a leaf floating down a stream. Watch them come and go without getting attached. This helps create distance from your thoughts, reducing their power over you.
If you’d like a copy of my recording, please get in touch and I’ll send it to you
Bringing It All Together
Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind or achieving a perfect state of calm. It’s about noticing where you are, what you’re feeling, and accepting it without judgment. By incorporating these small practices into your daily routine, you’ll start to notice a shift in how you see yourself and your capabilities.
So why not give it a try? Start small, find those moments in your day to be present, and watch your confidence grow.
Ready to Boost Your Confidence?
If you're ready to take the next step in building your confidence through mindfulness, join my 30-day confidence course. It's packed with practical tips, exercises, and support to help you become the most confident version of yourself.