THE UK is in the midst of a confidence crisis with almost half of Brits lacking self-esteem.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 46 per cent are struggling with self-confidence – and 37 per cent claim their levels of self-belief are at an all-time low.

Not only this, 15 per cent also believe they are smiling less frequently now than at any other point in their lives.

Factors such as ageing (37 per cent), rising cost of living and money worries (36 per cent), and reduced social interaction (34 per cent) are factors behind low confidence and smiling less.

A staggering 90 per cent of those struggling with confidence said this has impacted their ability to enjoy life moments – like weddings, getting a new job offer, birthdays, and attending social occasions.

The study was commissioned by Colgate, as part of its #BeUltra campaign, which aims to help adults feel the best version of themselves.

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As part of the initiative, the oral hygiene brand enlisted TV personality and confidence expert, Paul C Brunson to share his top confidence boosting tips.

Married at First Sight star Paul said: "As the research shows, it's never been more important for people to feel their best.

"It's time to get the nation smiling again – and I'm excited to help do just that."

The study also found 34 per cent wish they smiled more, but a lack of self-esteem about their grin is holding them back.

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While 59 per cent admitted they’d be inclined to smile more often if they felt more self-confident than they currently do.

And 35 per cent believe having a whiter smile would boost their levels of self-belief.

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Carried out via OnePoll, the study found the top moments those polled would like to feel the best version of themselves include when making big life decisions (27 per cent) and when starting a new job (27 per cent).

Other instances they especially want to feel great include when going on holiday (26 per cent), and when attending reunions (25 per cent).

PAUL C BRUNSON’S TOP CONFIDENCE BOOSTING TIPS:

TAKE ON SELF-DOUBT HEAD-ON.

We all doubt ourselves at different times in life, and I’m here to tell you that you already have the tools to overcome it.

The people you surround yourself with and the content you consume are what either limit or expand your belief in yourself.

You must have people and content in your life to lift you up.

I suggest minimising relationships, social media follows, and reading that bring negativity into your life and instead disproportionately surround yourself with inspiration, aspiration, and instruction.

DECISIVENESS IS A SIGN OF CONFIDENCE.

The most successful people know that you need to stop wondering at some point.

Stop making excuses.

Stop seeking advice from every friend and acquaintance and start working toward real, actionable goals. It’s okay to start small.

The more you achieve, the more you will build confidence.

But you must begin the journey, and that comes with a single decision to take your first step.

SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT.

Seriously!

Smiling helps you live longer, relieves stress, elevates your mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, reduces pain, is contagious, helps you stay positive, gives the appearance of success, and makes you even more attractive.

You have every reason to smile!

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