3 Mental Health Benefits of Martial Arts Training
Mental Illness will affect almost half of all adults in Australia at some point in their lifetime. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the country. Despite the alarming numbers, less than half of those suffering receive formal treatment, but there are methods to improve the situation regardless of whether you choose to have treatment or not.
The potential for COVID-19 to impact mental health and wellbeing was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) early in the pandemic. Exercise as a whole, and martial arts, in particular, can help reduce mental illness symptoms while increasing feelings of well-being. Well-being will always be specific to the individual, but we will look at three beneficial aspects of mental wellness and how martial arts can help improve that area.
1.) Exercise Reduces Stress
Stress makes us more likely to develop mood disorders and negatively affects healthy gut functions. Cortisol, ‘the stress hormone’, actually plays a necessary role in our daily functioning. It helps us to wake up in the morning and controls energy levels throughout the day. It is also released during exercise. However, it was not intended to be produced at the constant and high levels we see in today’s overworked and overstressed individuals. This can cause issues around weight gain, immune system suppression and gastrointestinal health.
Learning a new skill forces us to focus in the present moment and temporarily forget about our to-do list and other responsibilities or deadlines.
Striking or grappling is an excellent way to release pent-up stressful energy - nothing beats padwork or rolling when you need to let off some steam.
Exercise, especially martial arts, provides a release and a framework for dealing with stress. We can face many different stressors in class, but we are encouraged to problem solve and find healthy ways of dealing with them.
2.) Martial Arts Gyms Provide a Community of Like-Minded People
A common symptom of depression is loneliness, whether that is real or perceived. Joining a martial arts gym is not only beginning a new sport; it is also entering a new community. Furthermore, it is a community that has a shared interest. Regardless of differences, most members remember what it was like to be a beginner, to be nervous for their first class, and to struggle to learn a new skill. Martial arts gyms are one of the best places to make new friends because many disciplines teach a moral code alongside martial arts. These often include characteristics such as respect, humility, and helpfulness.
Again, the research is here to back this up, with community involvement shown to improve mental health. New connections through social groups, such as a martial arts gym, reduce mental health issues due to the social connectedness that one can find there.
3.) Rigorous Training Teaches Us that Growth Lies Just Outside the Comfort Zone
Another benefit of taking up a martial art like kickboxing or jiu-jitsu is learning how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Despite our weaknesses, fears, and failures, we persist nevertheless. Martial arts gyms create a healthy environment to be able to explore this. It is supportive, encouraging, and honest.
The notion is revisited daily. We are expected to show up, push just past our boundaries, and be able to do it all again tomorrow. Whether through direct or indirect tuition, we face our comfort zone on a recurrent basis, and we must cross that barrier every day we show up at a martial arts gym. It is the nature of these sports.
It never ceases to be uncomfortable; rather, our attitudes towards being uncomfortable change.
This mindset shift again bolsters and reinforces our ability to get through difficult situations, take greater control over our minds and learn to direct or redirect our thoughts towards more productive or positive outcomes.