User:NyxofPrimordial$20/Body Image

Exercise on how it affects Self-Perception towards our Body Image

When it comes to self-perception, exercise can have a significant impact on how we see ourselves. Regular physical activity can boost our self-esteem and body image. Exercise helps our bodies release a chemical in our brain called endorphins, which can enhance our mood . When we engage in physical activity, we often experience a sense of accomplishment in our abilities, which can improve our self-perception. Additionally, exercise can help us develop a more positive body image by engaging in regular physical activity and taking care of our bodies, we begin to appreciate and embrace ourselves. It shouldn't be about conforming to societal ideals, but rather about feeling strong and capable in our own skin .

When people see themselves in the mirror, they wish to see their bodies in a healthy state physically and mentally. What people see is called self-perception . However, often people do not. As well as being dissatisfied with their body sizes, people are often exposed to idealized images of thin bodies and thus overestimate their own body size, which could lead to low self-esteem and depression. Recent research suggests that this exposure to images of thin bodies may cause a recalibration of the visual perceptual mechanisms that represent body size in the brain, such that the observer sees subsequently viewed bodies, including their own bodies, as heavier than they really are, a process known as visual adaptation . There is evidence that individuals who are less satisfied with their bodies may spend a disproportionate amount of time directing their visual attention towards unusually thin bodies, resulting in an even greater overestimation of the size of subsequently viewed bodies. Further evidence suggests that a similar mechanism may be at play in people (particularly young men) who underestimate their muscularity, such as those suffering from muscle dysmorphia . The nature of the interaction between body size and shape misperception and body dissatisfaction is not yet fully understood.

Although, even if it's not fully understood there are ways to improve our self-perception one way to reduce our negative self-perception to become more positive is by exercising. Researchers have done testing experiments on individuals to notice any changes within themselves towards their body image when exercising for 6 weeks . By the end of the 6 weeks researchers notice an increases with the individuals' moods and a sense of accomplishment that will contribute to their self-efficacy and empowerment. it helps us feel good about ourselves, improve our body image, and build confidence. Finally, individuals shouldn't be comparing to each other they should focus more about themselves and embracing their journey and celebrate our progress along the way.