Stuck in a funk. What's a great, reasonable way to build the ol' confidence back up?
Exercise. While exercising regularly is best (both in terms of physical and mental well-being), the cognitive and mood-enhancing benefits of aerobic activity are noticeable after your first run (or whatever).
Dr. John Ratey has written a great deal on the cognitive benefits of exercise. Here is an excerpt from an article about his research:
"When you exercise, your brain gets more oxygen, but even more importantly, it causes your body to produce valuable chemicals and hormones that impact energy, mood and health. In a recent study done on athletes, Harvard psychiatrist John Ratey found that dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine - those wonderful happiness chemicals - were all elevated after exercise. In fact, dozens of studies indicate that exercise is often as effective for reducing depression as the typical medications prescribed.
Exercise can also help relieve and prevent anxiety, creating a calming effect that lasts for about four hours after exercising. Try getting in a fight right after a rigorous workout. It's not likely to happen! Exercise also increases endorphins, the "bliss" neuro-chemicals responsible for that wonderful "exercise high" by about 500 percent."
(Full Article: http://bit.ly/iWYSF)
I'd recommend reading his book, Spark.
9 Answers
slump buster... definitely... especially if you have a girl that has clearly shown interest in you... even if you haven't been interested, do it... It'll make ya feel like a porn star
Harry Crews once said that the best way to clear your head was to go out and get your ass kicked. Me?
I go fishing all summer, every day, and drink lots of martinis. Works wonders.
The Fight Club approach really does work. If you can find someone, fight. Win/lose, it doesn't matter. The adrenaline, physical stress, exhausting exercise, and associated endorphins can do wonders.
Take that idea or not, I'd advise against random sex, as that could cause-
1. Bad sexual experiences that will make you feel worse
2. Annoying post-act interactions with people
3. Or in the worst case, STDs. The clap will not make you feel better about yourself
Set a physical goal and achieve it. Whether it's to run a 10K or do hundredpushups.com it doesn't matter. Nothing will boost your confidence like a physical accomplishment. Plus, exercise helps reduce the effects of stress and will give your brain a boost of the feel-good seratonin.
And trust me, Phil is right. Going out on a sexual conquest will not help. You're better off spending time with good friends and just having fun.
sleep with a stripper...
but make sure you don't spend any money on her...
cause if you do then that'll just make you feel worse cause you paid for sex.
Women are attracted to men who exude confidence, we all know that. A "slump buster" wont boost your confidence, it will just get the word out that you bag uggos.I would say the most important part of feelin good is looking good....start feeling good, it will show. All the loose chicks on the world cant make you feel like that. I say get some new clothes, new cleaning products, maybe clean your place up, get a haircut.... you get the picture.
Sex.