Claiming time for yourself is an act of self-care. When you do it, it is a reminder to self and a declaration to others that you matter and you know it. And that’s just one of the ways exercise helps you feel empowered. Read on to learn why staying active is not just good for the body, it’s good for the mind, too.
Boost brain power with exercise
Are you looking for a way to boost brain power and creativity? Exercise is a magic bullet that actually works. When you get your blood pumping oxygen, glucose and hormones flood to the brain and rev it up for action. That means you should get your workout on to help yourself think more clearly. Ace that exam or presentation, get your creative juices flowing or learn something new. Regular exercise is also a way to increase attention, memory, perception and focus. Charles H. Hillman, Ph.D., an associate professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has found through research that exercise helps you process information more quickly and with time increase the size of the hippocampus. That’s the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
Feel more confident
Making a commitment to exercise, and actually doing it can give you a feeling of accomplishment that contributes to self-confidence. Think about it. When you make a promise to yourself that you break you feel pretty lousy. When you follow through, you walk just a bit taller. It isn’t just confidence that gives you swagger. Exercise can strengthen your core and improve your balance. Both impact your posture and gait so that you walk taller. Feelings of confidence also come from improved body image and the enhanced well-being you get from the endorphins released during exercise.
Conquer new challenges
Conquering a new fitness challenge contributes to feelings of pride and accomplishment that extend to other areas of life. Many people that complete a marathon, learn to swim or fold into yoga poses report feeling more capable and able to take on new tasks with more confidence.
Beat depression
One of the worst things about depression is the sense of powerlessness that comes with it. Exercise can help. Exercise give you back some control by giving you something you can do to rescue yourself from the tangled curtain of depression.
Take charge of your health
Some types of cancer and chronic illness such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are preventable. Use your power to prevent health problems by exercising regularly.
If you ever wished for super powers exercise may just be the answer. Use it to make yourself stronger, smarter, healthier and more confident. That’s pretty super.
