We’re talking about running. Need proof? Here are seven reasons why running makes you more confident: That’s where running comes in. According to research, exercise creates new brain cells and an overall pattern of calm in areas of the brain. Ready to lace up your sneakers yet? So if you’re not a long-distance runner, make it a goal to run your fastest 5K ever in 2017. Your self-esteem will thank you. “The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong,” says Michael Otto, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Boston University, in an article for the American Psychological Association. “Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect.” While that five minutes of running isn’t guaranteed to immediately raise your confidence levels, happy people are generally more confident—and vice versa. So if you’re suffering from low self-esteem in adulthood, go for a run and watch your confidence soar. Whether or not you’re worried about preserving your memory just yet, having strong thinking skills in the short term is certainly imperative to confidence. One study found that people who get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week had a 65 percent improvement in sleep quality and felt more alert during the day. The treadmill is great and all, but if you have the option to take your workout outside, make it happen. What are you waiting for? Slip on those sneakers and hit the pavement.
