Top 15 everyday confidence boosters - from receiving compliment to fresh breath

07 November 2023 , 11:03

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Four in ten Brits often smile at strangers in a bid to help boost other people's confidence (Image: SWNS)

Some of the top everyday things that help to give Brits a confidence boost include receiving a compliment or general praise, making someone laugh out loud – and having freshly-brushed teeth, research has found.

Wearing their favourite outfit, or finding clothes which suit or flatter them, are among other top mood boosters that help to brighten people's days. And a friendly smile from a stranger can go a long way – as can a stranger complimenting your own smile, according to the survey of 2,000 adults.

In fact, more than one in ten (13%) say that looking after their teeth helps to boost their confidence – while taking care of their skin (15%), mind (16%), and hair (19%) also has this effect. The average adult feels they “need” as many as 16 of these little confidence boosters each month in order to feel their best – with 83% saying such occurrences can make “a bad day good, and a good day even better”.

The research was commissioned by Philips Sonicare, whose spokeswoman, Rosemarie Maka, said: “We all need a lift from time to time, and it’s fascinating to see the range of seemingly simple everyday experiences that can significantly boost our confidence and brighten our day. Whether it's the small act of flashing a friendly smile, sharing a genuine laugh, or simply having the reassurance of fresh breath, these moments that we can often overlook can make our day 20 times better.”

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Exercise also ranks highly among the things that Brits do to boost their own confidence (SWNS)

The study also found 41% of adults regularly return the favour by sharing a smile with others to boost their moods, while 44% often compliment other people to help lift their confidence. It also emerged 46% feel more confident now than they did 10 years ago – putting this down to being more comfortable with who they are (64%), overcoming challenges (40%), and being more experienced in the workplace (29%).

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But of the one in ten (9%) who feel a lot less confident, 57% blame not looking the same as they used to, while four in ten don't feel like they have a spring in their step anymore. Feeling tired (49%), clothes not fitting properly (40%), and not having the time to care for their appearance (25%), were also among the reasons people have lost confidence.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, found 29% said the decade in which they felt the most confident was in their 20s – followed by 19%, who felt most self-assured in their 30s. And 61% said younger generations are more confident now than they were at the same age. It also emerged 55% feel a smile is the most prominent feature in a confident person, followed by posture and stance (43%).

TV personality, Georgia Toffolo, who is supporting the Philips Sonicare campaign encouraging people to focus on the effortless boosters that make them feel their freshest, said: “Let’s face it, a smile can work wonders, and make a massive difference to ourselves and others whilst we navigate day-to-day life. To ensure I’m always smiling and feeling my best, I’ve learnt to focus on the simple things that can boost my mood and confidence. Taking my dog, Monty, for a walk, or someone complimenting me on having a sparkly smile, always brightens my day and helps to put a spring in my step.”

BRITS' BIGGEST CONFIDENCE BOOSTERS: