The Mental Benefits of Being Fit in Your Teens for Self Confidence

Exercise has obvious benefits to the teen body, but not all of them are physical. A teen goes through many changes in his body, brain and hormones. Regular exercise can aid in how a teen feels about himself, and increase things like self-esteem and energy level. It may also help stabilize his moods. A teen who exercises regularly can not only better her physical fitness, but also increase mental fitness and self-confidence.

  1. Reduce Stress

    • The teen years can be stressful for even the most well-adjusted teen. Keeping fit and physically active can help a teen reduce his stress level, according to Kids Health. The site recommends parents support their teen and provide equipment or transportation, or even volunteer as a workout buddy. Kids Health says a teen who experiences reduced stress levels will feel more positive about himself. A teen who can use physical activity to lower his stress establishes a healthy coping mechanism for life.

    Mood Booster

    • During the teen years, hormones are constantly changing, and a teen's mood can change with the wind. According to WebMD, when a teen is physically fit, she is able to enjoy a more positive mood consistently. In the article, "The Incredible Benefits of Regular Exercise," WebMD says exercise alters chemicals in the brain that control mood. Endorphins are chemicals released in the brain during activity which increase happiness levels. A lack of endorphins can result in depression, according to WebMD. A teen who exercises regularly will benefit from a healthy body and a more positive mood.

    Self-Image

    • A teen can struggle with self-esteem as he is trying to find his place in the world. Physical activity can increase a teenager's self-esteem, according to the website Teen Health. When a teen can look at herself in the mirror and like what she sees, she has greater self-esteem. Finding an activity he likes can draw a teen boy into a group that accepts and appreciates him. When a teen feels good physically, it leads to higher self-esteem.

    Higher IQ

    • Exercise leads to an increase in brain function, according to the article Psychological Benefits of Exercise," published by HealthGuidance.org. According to the article, regular exercise increases math task skills and non-verbal reasoning. Health Guidance says short-term memory is also increased with regular exercise. A teen who benefits from increased cognitive skills due to regular exercise will excel in school or on standardized tests. These achievements will increase his self-confidence on an intellectual level.

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