Posted on July 11, 2015 by Kate Halsall

It’s human nature to enjoy feeling good about ourselves. The constant search for self esteem is about gaining personal control of our behaviours and lifestyle, it’s about our mental well being and that feel good factor. So how are exercise and self esteem linked?

• Psychological Functioning

There has been a number of pieces of research linking exercise and it’s affect on our mental and emotional state:

1. We know that exercise releases endorphins which give us that happy feeling
2. It also helps to reduce the levels of cortisol which can cause anxiety and stress
3. There is also some evidence to say that exercise such as Yoga, Thai Chi and Pilates can help to regulate adrenaline and therefore help to reduce depression and boost your mood.

• Body Confidence

If we are not happy with the way we look, we can develop body image issues which will affect our self esteem. When we exercise:

1. You will strengthen and tone your body. It’s not all about weight loss you know, what’s wrong with just simply wanting to be strong and healthy?
2. Even if you don’t see instant results, you’re making progress and get the feeling of accomplishment.
3. Make you feel better about the way you look and bolster your self-esteem.

• Positive Healthy Behaviour

Exercising and feeling better about yourself can only encourage other healthy lifestyle choices:

1. Healthier eating
2. Setting goals and targets – and committing to them
3. Stopping/reducing other bad habits i.e smoking drinking etc

There is no doubt that exercise and self esteem are linked, more exercise tends to lead to healthier lifestyle habits, which in turn lead to a happier and more vibrant YOU!

With all of this in mind – what are you waiting for?!