Self-esteem and physical activity go hand in hand. Our physiology and state of mind affect each other on an on-going basis. Physical activity is a very important part of developing higher self-esteem. It gives you a sense of control in your life and generates good hormones that help you develop your mental immune system as well.
One of the most intense experiences in my life was doing an actual fire walk. This is a good example of self-esteem and physical activity working together. So here I would like to share that with you though an excerpt from my book "Firewalker."
The Fire Walk: "Think all things possible, and they become so. Only in the barren earth of disbelief, does our life lay fallow..." "Red sparks circled their way up towards the night sky, dancing an odd tempo to the music. Then the clapping began, at first slowly, in rhythm, then faster and faster. The air, fraught with emotion, felt oddly alive. Wheelbarrows of glowing coals were pushed from the fire pits. Crewmembers in black t-shirts carefully moved through the crowd, shoveling the hot embers onto the ground in long rows. The heat pressed upwards and the smell of wood smoke filled the air. I found myself quickly at the front of the line. Nothing but an overwhelming sense of strength flooded through my mind. The red coals spread out in front of me, vibrant in the darkness; I could feel their heat on my face. I stood, feet firmly planted on the ground, and brought my fist down to meet my open palm. I had practiced this move, imagining walls falling before me, oceans parting, and all the power of existence drawing into me in that one moment. A lightness of being filled me, as if I could float over the very earth itself. "Cool moss..." I chanted the mantra aloud as I stepped forward with long, purposeful strides, eyes skyward. My feet hit the coals and I felt as if I were walking on a pathway of crushed velvet. It pressed softly up under my feet, barely warm to the touch. By the time I reached the end it had happened all too quickly. At that moment I became all that existed. Enveloped by the light of the fire-walk, the night sky bore silent witness to the stirring of my spirit. "Firewalker" the word lingered in my mind, mine and not mine. Every door lay unhinged and every path lay open. All that had ever held me back now seemed a dim shadow in a distant land."
This was a very physical experience that helped me rediscover that powerful part of my creativity that can perceive the limitless possibilities around us at all times.
The average person would consider that participating in physical activity would have some benefit to them, and it does - not only in the management of stress and the maintaining of a good, healthy person, but also in maintaining the condition of one's skin. Many people who participate in regular physical activity voice distress that their activity worsens their skin blemishes. In actuality, what many people perceive as exercise-related skin problems are in reality caused by some external thing being applied to the skin. There are certain factors that you can look for if you feel that your skin is worsened by exercise that can help determine what is causing your skin blemishes to worsen.
One factor is make-up. There are oil-free and non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) products available, but they will still clog the pores if worn during heavy exercise. Wear as little make-up as possible while exercising. When you are finished, wash it off as soon as possible.
Studies have shown that although acne can improve slightly while briefly exposed to sunlight, it also shows that prolonged exposure promotes comedones (clogged pores) and sun damage. Some types of acne medication even raises the sensitivity to the sun. Using sunscreen is a must if exercising outdoors. Choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and has a protection factor with no less than SPF 15 for both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to wash your face after exercising, because sunscreen can also clog pores like make-up.
The clothes you wear can also affect your skin. When you wear manmade materials, heat and moisture can get trapped next to your skin. This will create the right environment for bacteria to grow, which contributes to acne outbreaks. Two particular fabrics to avoid are lycra and nylon. If you exercise heavily, you may want to try out some of the newer fabrics that have come out recently. They have specially designed to keep wetness away from your skin.
Proper fitting clothing and equipment are also crucial to consider, as they can lead to skin irritation as a result of friction. Wearing outfits that are too snug in places like armpits and crotches are prime areas for irritation. Helmets need to fit properly and snugly to the head, and should be lined with a soft fabric that can be removed and washed regularly, such as cotton.
Make sure you take a shower and change your clothes as soon as you can. Whatever your exercise routine entails, sweaty clothes are not good to keep on. If no shower is available, at least wipe off the sweat with a clean towel and change your clothes. Additionally, make sure to blot dry your face rather than wiping it. Attempting to cleanse your face by wiping can actually cause sunscreen, make-up, and oil to get embedded deeper into your skin.
It is best to shower immediately after working out. However, no matter when you shower, you may want to use a medicated exfoliate cleanser. Remember to always be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing hard will not make you cleaner or cause acne to vanish. In fact, it may irritate existing lesions or develop new ones.
Maintaining a healthy exercise schedule is beneficial for every person, and a healthy body is naturally conducive to healthy skin. You will be more likely to have one if you have the other. Know what causes your skin to become irritated, and take care to avoid those things. Once you have removed those irritants from your exercise routine, your workouts will always be free from breakouts.
Both Lyca Shan & David Warple are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Lyca Shan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Self Esteem, self improvement and motivation and Self Esteem. Lyca Shan is the founder of Firewalker Enterprises. A passionate author and speaker she focuses on helping others overcome their experiences of hardship and trauma by delivering the message that. Lyca Shan's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
David Warple has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Candida Infection and Wellness. What exactly is the ? David Warple examines this topic and offers other beneficial. David Warple's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.