Body confidence is sometimes difficult to establish. Whether you feel self-conscious about a certain part of your body or you aren’t comfortable in your skin overall, trying to find a new way of boosting your confidence feels like an overwhelming task. Though maintaining body confidence is a lifelong journey, certain steps can be taken to set yourself on the right path and keep you moving forward. Once you master these first baby steps, your confidence in yourself will continue to grow over time. Remember to be kind to yourself and to be grateful for everything your body does for you, and you’ll have the mindset you need to flourish.

Wear what you like.

One of the easiest things you can do to establish body confidence is to wear clothes you enjoy wearing. Whether you’re lounging around the house or you’re getting ready to go out, it’s important to select clothing that makes you feel comfortable. Choose items in sizes, colors, and prints that are most flattering for your body shape and make you feel good about the way you look. Even if you’re looking for new robes to wear while you’re work from home, choosing the right fit and fabric makes a world of difference. Make yourself feel special by purchasing robes with luxurious fabric and a little extra flare. A simple black robe with lace detailing instantly makes you feel chic. You’ll notice a difference in how you hold yourself as you walk around when you’re wearing something that makes you feel attractive and confident.

Pick up a new hobby.

If you feel self-conscious about your body, picking up a new hobby is a great way to get you up and moving around. The prospect of going to the gym is daunting for some people, so choose a physical hobby you know you’re going to enjoy. If you’ve always been interested in pilates, or gymnastics, or ice skating, use this interest as a starting off point. The health benefits of ice skating are numerous, as this hobby allows you to exert physical energy while mastering a new skill at the same time. You’ll find yourself feeling lean and strong, and your dexterity and balance will improve, too. A hobby like ice skating is beneficial as well because it improves your mental health in addition to your physical health. Lace-up your skates, put on a pair of gloves, and enjoy the solitude of mind that comes along with a quick glide across the ice.

Talk to your doctor.

This may seem like an odd step toward boosting your body confidence, but talking to your doctor about any health concerns you have is a good idea regardless of your physical and mental health goals. Your primary care doctor is there for regular checkups and to help you with anything you need—both mental fitness and working on a healthy lifestyle. They should provide you with a safe environment to discuss any concerns you have about your body or health risks you are worried about, like cardiovascular health or low testosterone. Programs exist to help people work through body image issues, and your doctor can safely recommend a group that best suits you.

Plus, it’s beneficial to speak with your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing in relation to your physical health. Common health issues for men, like depression and sexual health problems, such as erectile dysfunction, may be related to your overall confidence. A medical professional analyzes these common health problems to determine a cause and helps you find the best treatment plan. You may not think, initially, that your depression is related to your body image, but the two might be more closely linked than they appear. Your primary care can also recommend specialists, such as a therapist or a sexual health counselor, who can directly address any problems you may have and help you become a happier, healthier version of yourself.