Exercise Builds Self Esteem

Self-esteem is defined as our evaluation of our self-concept and feelings associated with that evaluation. Where does it come from? How does one improve it? Have you ever walked into a room and looked in the mirror and said to yourself something like, “Oh my God, what the heck has happened to me?!” Or, “Wow you look really great!” How do you feel about yourself when you’re not where you think you should be? For me, I feel like crap and I really don’t want anyone looking at me.

One of the first things exercising does for you, is it gives you the ability to focus on yourself and begin the process of achieving personal goals. Those goals that you have always wanted to achieve but for some reason haven’t. Once you start achieving those goals, you will begin to feel better about yourself. You will feel physically better about your appearance, and mentally stronger.

As mentioned above, exercise can improve mental health. Exercise has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety and negative moods as well as alleviate low self-esteem and social withdrawal. In place of these negative emotions, exercise boosts self-esteem and cognitive function.

Regular exercise improves heart function, strengthens bones, keeps wrinkles from appearing too early in life (yes, keeps you looking younger longer), lowers your risk for chronic disease right along with your blood pressure, keeps your weight under control and reduces feelings of anxiety and depression. By working on all the tasks mentioned above, your self-esteem will sky-rocket. Low self-esteem will greatly decrease, while high self-esteem will increase exponentially.