A study conducted at the UK's Bath University concluded that people who have a problem with acne are less likely to excel in sports or other physical activities. It's not because of any lack of ability, it's strictly because acne can affect someone's self esteem to a point that they will avoid signing up for sports. The study followed 50 adults who were part of an acne support group.

I wasn't at all surprised to read this. In my opinion it's not a result of the acne necessarily, but a result of the reduced self esteem. (Which, for those included in the study, was largely a result of their acne.) Other triggers for self esteem issues -- obesity, etc -- can also be cited as the reason for not joining sports or working out. Whatever the impetus, it's unfortunate that anyone sidelines themselves because of social anxiety.

How about you? Have you ever had a problem that made you nervous about joining a sport?

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Shyness is something that affects many people. And while it doesn't seem like a big deal to extroverts to enter a room filled with people, for shy people, it is terrifying. I know because I've struggled with shyness my whole life. And while I don't know that shy people can ever be completely cured of their social anxiety (I know I still get the sweats when I have to face a crowd,) you can learn to overcome shyness. Here are some suggestions from eDiets:

• Change your focus: Don't become obsessed with what negative things people are saying or thinking about you -- think about things you like about yourself.
  
• Become familiar: We're most shy when we're in unfamiliar surroundings or with new people. Next time you have a blind date or go to a party, bring a friend.
  
• Take small steps: Make small conversations daily, and work your way up to long ones
• Shift blame: Don't blame yourself when things go awry. Blame the situation and move on.
  
• Plan ahead: Think of questions to ask or topics to bring up.
  

Speaking as a shy person, I've done all of these things and they work ... with practice. What do you think?

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I'm painstakingly shy, and have been throughout my life. The thought of making small talk with strangers is enough to make me hyperventilate into a paper bag, but I do it anyway, because we live in a social world and hiding from it is no way to live. It usually angers a shy person when you tell them to 'get over it', but that really is the only way work against your shyness.

Here are some tips for overcoming social anxiety:

• Instead of focusing on yourself and how uncomfortable you feel, focus on someone else and creating positive interactions with them. And remember that it's not all about you; while you might feel like everyone is watching you and judging you, they're probably not
• Immerse yourself in social situations. Volunteering is a great idea -- you'll see the same people over and over again, and will learn to be comfortable around them
• Look up and make eye contact with people when you pass them on the street or in the hallway

How do you put your social anxiety behind you?

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One of my favorite things about the holidays is the endless array of parties and family get-togethers. I love chatting and socializing and seeing people I might not see much during the year. But for someone who is really shy, these parties and gatherings are something to be feared, and they only add to the stress of the season.

But there is help for shy people during the holidays. According to this, a little preparation can help someone who gets anxious over social interaction find things to talk about with others. It doesn't always have to be stressful to socialize, and it's important to see parties as fun and not painful.

The only way to get over being shy is to force yourself to get out and mingle. I know from experience -- I used to be painfully shy. But nowadays people are quite surprised when I insist that I am actually a shy person. They don't believe me, because I've spent a lot of time forcing myself to make small talk and now I am used to it. If you're shy, I would recommend doing what I did. And trust me, it does get easier to face people over time.

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