Being a mother is one of the most rewarding jobs, but it’s also one of the most exhausting full-time jobs, and some mothers can feel like they’re not doing enough and start to lose their confidence. Even women who aren’t mothers can question their own abilities in school, in the workplace, or wherever. Fortunately, there are some small things that you can do to help get your mind back on track. Here are five inexpensive (and free) ways that all women can boost their confidence.

Happy Hispanic couple dancing in kitchen in the morning, dance lessons at home

#1: Rediscover Your Old Hobbies

Many mothers have put their hobbies on the backburner to focus on their kids, and many women in general have also done the same to focus on their careers. Whether you’re a mother or not, it’s important to take some time for yourself to enjoy the things you love. Most hobbies have a creative aspect to them, and creativity is great for mental health. If you don’t have a hobby or you’d like to try a new hobby, consider:

Baking
Dancing
Drawing
Fishing
Gardening
Knitting/Sewing
Painting
Photography
Pottery
Reading
Singing
Writing

The good thing about hobbies is that they can be enjoyed alone, with a friend, or with your family! Being creative can really help boost your confidence.

#2: Pamper Yourself with Self-Care

Self-care is defined as taking care of oneself in order to prevent disease (both physical and mental) and promote good health. There are four types of self-care:

Physical self-care is the first type that most people think of. This can include pampering yourself with a beauty treatment, but it should also include pampering your health with nutritious food and physical activity.
Professional self-care is also important for mental health. This means taking time to balance your professional life (whether it’s work or school) with your personal life— and not neglecting one for the other.
Psychological self-care focuses on all aspects of mental health, including social and emotional well-being. Say no to extra responsibilities if they’re too much for you to handle, express your emotions freely, and have a trusted friend/family member that you can talk to during hard times.
Spiritual self-care isn’t going to be a religious experience for everyone, but the goal is to focus on the nonmaterial aspects of life.

#3: Make a Realistic To-Do List/Set Realistic Goals

It feels good to check some things off of your “To-Do List”, but it can also be very frustrating if you can’t check off every single task. This can be because your list is too specific. Instead of listing out every single thing that needs to be done, list things that have to be done. This will be different for everyone, but some things can wait while other things can’t.

Use this same mentality when setting your goals. List out realistic goals, then list the steps you need to take in order to reach those goals. You’ll feel a lot more confident when you’re able to tackle the most important tasks and goals.

#4: Engage in Yoga and Pilates

Exercise is an area where many people lack confidence, especially if they’ve never really engaged in exercise before. This is why yoga and pilates are such great options for women, and men too. Both activities involve stretches, but yoga adds meditation while pilates add strengthening exercises. Even though some poses and exercises can be hard, there are modifications— and your confidence will boost as you get better!

woman happy positive

#5: Brighten Your Smile

Sometimes a change in your physical appearance can really help boost your confidence, especially if there’s something you’re self-conscious about. However, most people don’t have the money to access plastic surgery— but there are other ways to improve your appearance that don’t cost nearly as much.

One place to start with is your smile. Many people are dissatisfied with their smile, which is understandable because it’s one of the first things other people notice about you. Whether you have broken teeth, crooked teeth, or missing teeth, there are several fake teeth options to improve your smile — and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

These are just a few suggestions of ways to boost your confidence. Of course, if you already have your own healthy way of boosting your confidence, stick with it. As a mother— and as a woman in general— you perform your best when you feel your best, and an increase in confidence can help you to be your best self.