In this post will will be looking at a first hand experience of the difference Martial Arts has made in the life of someone just like you.......
How martial arts helped me fight anxiety:
Learning how to defend myself against attackers of the physical and the mind.
Today, I write about my own personal experience tackling mental health in today's busy world through martial arts practice.
I am doing this in the hope that some of you who read this, who are going through the same feelings, stresses and experiences in their life and are thinking of trying martial arts, give it a go.
Martial arts helped in fight my own anxiety. It can help you fight yours.
I practiced martial arts when I was a kid, and loved it. However, like many, life changed and I did not train as I began work.
By the time I reached my early twenties, the stresses of home, work, finances, relationships and study (in essence, the high paced life we all live), had accumulated to a stage where I could not function without feeling high anxiety.
The pressure to achieve, lead an active social life and be financially successful was too much and both my body and mind suffered.
I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. I could not go through my day without feeling some form of crippling panic.
I decided this needed to change.
I began my martial arts training again. And this is what I found:
- I began to sleep better. Less inability to go to sleep, lying awake worrying about stupid things. The physical exercise calmed my body and the it demanded more attention than my mind. After a week of training, I slept the whole night through without waking in worry.
- I was more confident and empowered. Learning once again how to defend myself invigorated me. I was worthy, powerful, and assertive. I could say ‘no’ at work without worrying I was letting anyone down, and not stay up working late into the night to finish reports I overcommitted on.
- I was focused. Martials arts allows you to be in the moment, calming the mind. Learning how to move my body also trained my mind to focus on one thing at a time; the now.
These three primary changes created a positive effect on my ability to tackle all aspects of my life. I was able to reduce the medication I take for anxiety.
I have not suffered a panic attack in years.
Yes, the stresses of life are still there.
But now, through martial arts, I have learnt how to defend myself, channel attacking force and let it go harmlessly by, both from the physical and the mind.
I hope reading this inspires you to begin martial arts and begin your journey to better mental health.
Let me know what you think of this down in the comments.
Do Something for Yourself Today……….
To your success,
Steve
PS - If you'd like to learn more about how our
SELF DEFENCE SYSTEM works then you'll love this short movie we made that shows you exactly how we do it and how you can
Do Something For Yourself Today towards your pathway to empowerment.
