Thursday, February 23, 2012

How Diet, Exercise, and Confidence Are Linked

Do you have a problem with not feeling confident? Although therapy and coaching can help, you may be of benefit to address your diet and exercise schedules.

The Connection

When you eat well and workout, it may help enhance your self-confidence. Why? Below are a few ideas.

* Body image - While exercising won't always have the perfect body, it does tend to offer you a sense that you are being proactive about your health; you are doing the right thing and working toward staying in shape. Recognizing this - even if you can't eliminate those love handles - will help you feel more confident in yourself.

* Mood food - The food you eat can affect your mood, sources say, which in turn affects your confidence. Low blood sugar can cause you to feel grouchy and easily annoyed, and a diet high in sugar may contribute to depression (the ultimate in low confidence!). Lean protein combined with complex carbohydrates is a winning combination.

* Endorphins - Exercise stimulates your body to produce endorphins, which are brain chemicals that help you feel good. These substances play a role in relieving depression and improving mood.

* Energy level - If you're struggling with self-confidence, feeling sluggish doesn't help. Exercise and a healthy diet are key elements to feeling energetic and, ultimately, confident.

* Vitamins and minerals - Your confidence is affected by how you look and feel, as well as the right vitamins and minerals is essential for things like teeth, skin, and hair. When these aspects of the way you look are healthy and also at their optimum, it helps you feel better about you.

Specifically, some vitamins and minerals are specifically implicated in improving mood and, consequently, self confidence. These include B-complex vitamins and Vitamin D. In fact, fat-soluble Vitamin D is oftentimes used by medical professionals to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When you are getting the correct amount of key vitamins and minerals, you're much more likely to really feel confident in yourself.

* Productivity - When your energy and confidence levels are up due to exercise and diet, you are much more likely to be more productive in work, school, and relationships. And this becomes a positive cycle - increased productivity boosts your confidence even more.

* Positive effects - If you begin to exercise and eat healthfully, you will probably find yourself looking better - you may experience weight loss, better muscle tone, and healthier skin. Looking in the mirror and liking what you see will go a long way toward increasing self confidence!

Learn More About How to Build Self Confidence

No comments:

Post a Comment