Confidence and Exercise

In recent years I have increased the amount I have trained and exercised significantly. I think I have become slightly addicted as I become edgy and tetchy if I don't have a regular dose of sport.

Much of the advice on confidence states that we should train and work on our fitness to help come out of a rut. For example even NHS advice on depression states that regular exercise can have a positive impact on our moods.

My own experience would support this idea; when I look back at the times of my life when I was at my happiest they tend to coincide with the times I was at my fittest.

However, when you are feeling low and short of confidence starting a new hobby, joining a gym or even stepping out the house in your shorts for a jog can be a daunting prospect. I remember the first time I returned to running I felt lumpy and lethargic as I tolied round the hills of Glasgow. It was the same when bought a bike I thought everyone was staring at me!.

Thankfully those experiences were a few years ago now and the one thing I would say is try not to worry or feel self conscious as NOBODY ELSE REALLY CARES.

Joggers and runners travel along pavements almost unnoticed. If I were ever to rob a bank (don't worry things aren't that bad!) I would swap the getaway car for my running stuff as I would be totally anonymous.

However, the good it does for us both mentally and physically cannot be underestimated and it is one of those hobbies where it is not a massive disadvantage having an addictive personality

cheers   

Confidence and Religion

I am not a religious person whereas many of my friends, family and colleagues have a faith of one flavour or another.

However, I do find myself attending church for one reason or another and today I joined my wife at her church as the current minister is moving on (and there was a free lunch on offer as well!) 

I have always admired and slightly envied people who can use their religion as a support to give them faith in the face of problems, crises and setbacks.

There is also much to admire in the notion of treating others in the way you would wish to be treated yourself which is a feature of many religions.

But, is it possible to use the same mental tools used by those of faith; A belief that all will be well even when one doesn't believe in any Deity. Even the most religiously observant don't actually see any benefit at the time other than increased calm and assurance that all will be well.

Well, anything is worth a try. I'll give it a go

Cheers

  
 

16 personalities

A feature of my youth, like many of us I would guess, was a complete lack of self awareness. This would then lead me to make wrong choices resulting in negative outcomes which would obviously lead to a dent in my confidence.

Whether it was career or relationships or anything else for that matter; I made a series of wrong decisions leading to long term unhappiness.

I wish I had known about websites like 16 personalities, google it and take the test.

It is based on the Myers Briggs personality theory and it eerily accurate.

Having self knowledge and understanding our own strengths and weaknesses is such a valuable tool and allows to make decisions in keeping with our own values.

Cheers 

 

The benefits of perseverance

I know I have spoken about the benefits of perseverance and grit before when it comes to many aspects of life but today I am actually beginning to feel this is working.

I am beginning to feel more confident and assertive, just by giving the subject some conscious thought every day. 

It has made me focus on the subject more whereas before you only become aware of draining confidence when it is gone. This experiment makes me think about it every day and therefore take action when I find something which has had a negative impact.

The difficulty is that, unlike losing weight or taking more exercise there is no data to fall back on, no facts other than my own mind. However, I do feel it is working.

Wonder if anyone has noticed!

Cheers 

Final Lesson from Neuroscience

Neuroscientists came up with four pieces of advice to help us become happier. The first three I have already mentioned in previous posts; make a decision now, count your blessings and label any anxieties with a name.

The final one is far more straightforward; Hugs

Apparently the more human contact we have, especially with our families, the happier we become.

So, go on, Hug someone today, even hug a hoodie as David Cameron suggested a few years ago.

Cheers

Fit Bits

I have recently bought a Fit Bit and have slightly addicted to the app which displays information about sleep patterns, calories burned and exercise taken in a very detailed format.

I have found it has been really good for raising my awareness of what I am eating and the calories contained. I am determined to retain my enthusiasm for it as it helps me make positive health choices throughout the day even after I feel I have earned a "reward" after a gym session or run.

However, if such a thing existed for confidence it would be an amazing thing, we could keep track of our confidence levels, even identify occasions where our levels dropped as we could then do something about it.

Something I will give some thought to

Cheers
 

Living Life on your own terms

I have been thinking about this phrase 

Living life on your own terms 

quite a lot recently

I think many of us who suffer from confidence issues can fall into the trap of doing things to make others happy. But that seldom makes us happy.

Interesting concept; being yourself and doing your own thing.

I'm going to do more of it in the future

Cheers