Find Your Focus and Reduce Stress with Martial Arts
by Black Belt Training Group- Tags:
- Fitness
Find Your Focus and Reduce Stress with Martial Arts
From long working hours and the threat of layoffs, stress is everywhere in the cubicle culture. The cost is high on individual workers. High blood pressure, heart problems, mental fatigue and psychological distress are just a few of the results.
Look around your office area. You probably see co-workers tensely trying to finish projects on time, groaning about manager demands and depressed and feeling trapped in an unhappy environment. They complain of having no energy, while taking pain relievers in an attempt to get rid of chronic headaches, sore backs and necks.
Positive Vibes at the Dojo and Gym
Now check out the people at your martial arts studio or gym with classes like taekwondo, kung fu or aikido. You see relaxed, satisfied faces and loose, fit bodies.
All types of physical exercise ups the production of endorphins. The “feel-good” chemicals work with the neurotransmitters in your brain. You feel less pain and also experience positive feelings in your body. In fact, scientists say the effect is much like morphine.
Martial arts go one step further. In addition to the quick relief offered by endorphins, consistent practice helps you over the long term. Students learn emotional discipline, focus and agility, all important for a healthy mind and body.
Many studies support the positive effect of martial arts. It reduces aggression, helps focus, and increases a sense a relaxation and calmness. The result is less stress, more joy and better thinking.
Reduced Stress
When you live with stress day in and day out, your body suffers. Chronic headaches and muscle soreness throughout the body are common. You end up with a feeling of lassitude and lack of energy. Over time, it can show up in problems with your immune system and heart disease.
Your mind suffers too. It’s hard to concentrate and making a decision is like slogging through mud. You feel irritable at work and at home, snapping at co-workers and friends. New situations make you feel anxious. Feeling joy is a thing of the past, and depression is the new normal.
This is where martial arts shine. Whatever type you choose, it involves lots of cardio and attention to detail. According to one study, this reduces stress because, “The intention is to learn to focus the conscious mind on something other than our everyday concerns, which usually receive its exclusive attention.” The chattering monkey in your brain finally goes quiet and your mind gets a rest.
Less Frustration
Stress leads to anger and frustration. Just think of the pointless arguments that are common in offices and lunchrooms.
Martial arts give you a productive outlet for your daily accumulation of frustration and irritation. Whether at a gym or dojo, you can work them out in a controlled, safe setting. You can spar with a partner, giving your aggressions an outlet and working up a sweat. It’s an entirely positive experience because instructors are there to oversee and guide the process.
More Confidence
Many workers say the typical workplace is more about tearing down confidence instead of building it up. At the end of a workday, your self-image has taken a beating.
But at a martial arts class, you can see and feel the changes and improvement in your form and abilities, class by class. As your confidence grows, you feel greater self-esteem and self-reliance.
At the same time, you are learning effective self-defense strategies. Even if you never need to use them outside of class, you know what you are capable of. In the modern world, which seems to get more violent every day, this also adds to your confidence.
Deeper Relaxation
When you relax, your blood pressure goes down, the quality of your sleep goes up, and your relationships improve. Students say the ability to relax deeply is one of the biggest benefits of martial arts.
Many forms of martial arts training include breathing exercises and meditation, which boosts the relaxation benefits. You already get the physical benefits of cardio and strength training, and the mental advantages that come with the need to focus on each movement. The emphasis on breathing helps you with mental control and coping with daily stresses.
Total Body Workout
When you’re overweight, you feel embarrassed. Often you don’t want to go out and socialize. This just makes you more frustrated and stressed. You can feel powerless, like you have no control over your body. When you can’t get into your favorite clothes anymore, it’s just plain depressing.
Out of shape, you tend to get colds and flu more often, suffer from aches and pains, and generally don’t feel at your best. You toss and turn at night, waking up grumpy and without energy.
On the other hand, feeling fit and healthy puts you in an optimal mental state. Your self-image is high, increasing your motivation to get out and socialize. Your immune system is stronger, so you seldom get sick.
You are comfortable in your body, feeling strong, agile and flexible. You sleep deeply, waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
That’s what martial arts do for you. These classes are high in aerobic activity. The moves use every muscle group and involve body weight and resistance, making it a true total body workout.
With regular practice, your stamina skyrockets. Your muscle tone brings on envy from friends. Because of the emphasis on flexibility and balance, it also qualifies as a functional workout, one that helps you accomplish everyday activities with ease.
If stress is getting you down, relief is as close as your nearest dojo or martial arts gym. It helps your mind and body grow stronger and fitter with each class. Stress evaporates as your body grows stronger and your mind becomes more agile.
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