How exercise boosts confidence

Self-confidence is a product of what we believe in and what we actively set out to achieve. In modern day living, this can mean many things - physical confidence being one of them. Exercise is an important tool that helps us achieve this physical confidence. Beyond the postural imbalances, muscle tensions and day-to-day energy demands, the ability to be physically available to your day's requirements is crucial. Today, we're looking at some important benefits of exercise with respect to physical confidence and how it can go a much longer way than any retail therapy your heart can desire... With expert inputs from Dr. Pulkit Sharma, Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalytical Therapist at Vimhans Hospital, Delhi. Feeling confident in a rational and realistic manner is a sound safeguard against several physical, mental and emotional problems. Let us give you a low down of the top 10 ways in which exercise boosts confidence: Sense of achievement: Whenever you exercise your personal worth increases because it gives you a feeling that you have done something rather than sitting passively and brooding over issues. Enhanced well-being: When you exercise, the body releases chemical substances known as endorphins which relieve stress and make you feel good psychologically. This boosts your confidence. Physical health: Regular exercise makes your immune system strong and well equipped to fight various diseases and infections. As you remain disease free, there is a sense of pride. Appearance: Exercise gives you a good appearance and your body image improves. Feeling attractive and good about the way you look pumps up your self-confidence. Change of mindset: On some occasions when you are lost in anxious and negative thoughts, doing physical exercise can shake this mindset and make you feel confident and positive. Reliable anchor: Exercise acts as a reliable anchor point in our life and makes you feel in control. Whenever we have something constant to look forward to we feel good and confident. Socialization: Whether it is joining a gym, walking in the neighborhood park, attending a yoga or dance class, exercise gives us space and opportunity to meet people and form bonds. Socialization adds to the confidence. Competition: While exercising you may have a wish to challenge yourself or someone else. Going past your limit makes you feel on the top of the world. Sexual performance: Many people feel low due to a bad sex life. Physical exercise improves your sexual stamina and sexual performance and enhances self-reliance. Attention and concentration: Exercise also increases your attention and concentration, which means that you can focus on your work a lot better and this becomes an important feel good factor.