<center><h3>I admit it! I don't always feel confident. </h3>

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This is a big issue for many people because we all want to be more confident but it's not easy to do for a variety of reasons. In my last post, I wrote about using martial arts to boost confidence. This has worked very well for me but is it really something I can recommend as a counselor?

Definitely.

Here are my four reasons why:

<strong>1. Individual focus.</strong> Most of the time we learn in a graded, pass/fail environment. You have limited time and when it's over you get a grade. Martial arts moves at your own pace. Let's say it takes you 6 weeks to learn a new technique. It really doesn't matter if other people take seven weeks or five. There is no grade. You'll test when you're ready. Challenge yourself.

<strong>2. Overcoming challenges.</strong> Much of martial arts practice involves being given a challenge and then training till you can overcome it. More than that, eventually you can do it with ease. Some take a week and others take years, but we can see our progress. Overcoming challenges will give you positive feelings. Positive feelings mean you're calmer in the face of various stressors and make better decisions during times of stress.

<strong>3. Physical improvement.</strong> A side-benefit of martial arts is the physical improvement. It may not be weight loss; it might be increased strength, flexibility or range or motion. When you feel more physically fit you feel good in general and that confidence and happiness carry over to many parts of your life. Keep up and challenge yourself!

<strong>4. Social Interaction. </strong>Martial arts can certainly be practiced alone but some of the benefits come from attending a group class, meeting new people and engaging with them. Do this long enough and you start to develop friendships and a support network. Social connectivity has a positive correlation in terms of impacting the symptoms of <a title="" href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/major-depression/staying-socially-active-with-depression.aspx" target="_blank">depression as well</a>.

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Sometimes I wonder if we'd all be healthier if we grew up practicing martial arts. Or would it lose its impact if it wasn't something we sought out and chose?
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