An Athlete Needs Self Esteem Which Leads To A healthy Lifestyle.

Self-esteem leads to a healthylifestyle

Creating and sticking to a program of regular physical activity is a great way to boost your self-esteem, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

Feeling good about yourself increases your quality of life in many ways. When you have the self-confidence that results from a healthy self-esteem, you can focus on the challenges life presents and solve problems more effectively. Having faith in yourself enhances your ability to do your best, which improves your performance and helps you feel successful. Feeling successful, in turn, reinforces your positive self-esteem.

A healthy self-esteem is essential for making positive lifestyle changes, such as starting an exercise program or quitting smoking. People with a healthy self-esteem feel like they have control over the course of events in their lives, and are more likely to persist in behavior-changing programs in the face of obstacles that inevitably arise. Successful behavior change begins with believing in yourself and believing that your health and well-being are important and worthy of your time and energy.

Creating and sticking to a program of regular physical activity is a great way to boost your self-esteem, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines:

Design a program that fits your needs and abilities.

You want an exercise program that makes you feel successful. Your program should address any health concerns that you may have (work with your health care providers on this), and help you reach your long-term fitness goals. It should also be appropriate for your current level of fitness and provide a challenge without causing injury or too much frustration. Time constraints must be considered to make your program as convenient as possible.

Table of contents:
Exercise program to fit your needs.
Achievable fitness goals.
Fitness program records.
Don't compare with elite athletes.
Cultivate social support.
Learn a new skill.
Challenge critical self-talk.
Take care of yourself.

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Set appropriate, achievable goals.

Long-term fitness goals should be broken down into small, achievable steps. Reaching these smaller goals gives you a sense of accomplishment that will encourage you to reach your larger goals. The large goal of becoming a lifelong exerciser is rather daunting, but sticking to an exercise program for several weeks is easier to manage.

Some people become frustrated with their exercise programs because they expect too much, too soon (dramatic weight loss or changes in physical appearance). While the benefits of lifelong exercise can be dramatic, they may not be obvious in the short run. Rather than focusing on physical changes that might not be under your control, focus instead on sticking to your program.

Record and appreciate your progress.

Keep a log of your workouts, and feel the satisfaction that comes with improvement. Beginners are especially likely to see improvement in performance (amount of weight they can lift, time they can work out or distance they can cover).

Avoid comparison.

Forget supermodels and actors and actresses. You can probably find many people out there who are thinner, fitter, stronger and better looking, but why bother? Remember, too, that fitness centers attract the fit. Don't let those experienced exercisers make you feel inferior. Fitness centers can be a welcoming sanctuary for the neophyte as well. Appreciate yourself for who you are, and appreciate your own improvements.

Cultivate social support.

Find co-workers, friends and family members who support your intentions to exercise, and tell them about your accomplishments and problems. Working out or playing sports with someone of a similar fitness or skill level can be fun.

Learn a new skill.

While self-esteem must not be based solely on achievement, most people find achievement and competence reinforcing. Learning a new sport and developing new skills can enhance self-esteem.

Challenge critical self-talk.

Do you ever catch yourself saying things like, "I'll never be able to do that," "I'm so lazy," or "Everyone here knows what they're doing except me"? Talk back to that critical voice and replace such thoughts with more positive self-statements such as, "I'm doing the best I can and making good progress" and "I am terrific!"

Take good care of yourself.

Positive health behaviors help you feel good and feel good about yourself. Regular physical activity improves mood and self-esteem. Enough sleep and a healthful diet are essential for a positive outlook and the energy you need to maintain a healthy self-esteem during times of stress. Enjoyable recreation and constructive relationships enhance self-esteem and support a healthful lifestyle. FM

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