Practice your handshake at home with friends to be sure you use the right amount of pressure and maintain steady eye contact. Repeating the person’s name as you shake his or her hand is also a good strategy to seem bubbly. For example, when you meet someone new, say their name back to them once or twice before you introduce yourself, such as by saying, “Hi Brian. I’m Shirley. It’s nice to meet you Brian!”

When you feel at a loss for things to say, think of a compliment. Tell someone you like their sweater, then as a follow up, ask them where they bought it. Tell someone they have a nice voice.

Practice a few funny stories from your life. Listen to podcasts (such as This American Life) to hear interesting conversation points. Ask questions! Let the other people do the talking for you. If you find yourself at a party, try to talk to every person there for at least a little bit.

Learn a new language. Take a trip. Try a new restaurant. Study a martial art.

You may also consider joining some activities in order to meet some new people. Try signing up for a class, a sports team, or a craft circle.

Try looking up a few silly jokes to tell to people you encounter throughout the day.

Become aware of your “self-talk,” or the thoughts that you have about yourself. Don’t say anything about yourself that you wouldn’t say about a friend. When you have a negative thought, try to alter it. Instead of thinking, “I’ve never done this before,” try to tell yourself, “This is an opportunity to learn something new. ” Try to be optimistic when you talk with your friends too, such as by pointing out the positive in a situation. For example, if a friend is worried about an upcoming exam, don’t join in on worrying about the test with your friend. Instead, you might say something like, “You are a great student! I am confident that you are going to do a great job! But for now, let’s enjoy this beautiful day!”

If you really need to air your complaints, try writing them down. Another option is to speak to a therapist.

Get a massage. Go for a walk. Diffuse essential oils (like lemon or lavender) in your home or office. Try to relieve your stress before it even becomes a problem.

Get a notebook, and write down five things you are grateful for each day. In time, your gratitude will grow and grow!

When you say that you “get to go to work,” it reminds you to be grateful that you have a job. When you say that you “get to pay rent,” it reminds you to be grateful both that you have a place to live, and that you can afford to pay for it. [8] X Research source

When you encounter conflicts that do not directly involve you, try not to intervene. Refrain from gossiping! Avoid talking about people behind their backs. If you are constantly surrounded by the drama of others, consider surrounding yourself with new people.

Once you have identified some of your best qualities, aim to let these qualities shine. For example, if you have beautiful eyes, wear eye makeup that accentuated this. If you are smart and well-versed in philosophy, practice ways to lead with this in conversation.

The shape you make with your body also affects your hormonal response. Simply standing up straight can make you (on a hormonal level) more confident and better at dealing with stress.

Examples include: I am beautiful, I am worthy, I am confident, or I deserve to be happy. Consider placing these near your bathroom mirror, above your kitchen sink, or any place you will look at them often.

Focus on eating vegetables, fruit, lean meats, and whole grains. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and fast food. Try to sleep 8 hours per night. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, such as kayaking, walking around the block, playing tennis, or dancing to music.