Each time you practice martial arts, you take small steps to make positive changes to your overall health and well-being. For instance, martial arts is a full-body workout that’s great for improving physical health. At the same time, your training has the unique ability to benefit your mental health, as well.
One of the great things about martial arts training is that it gets your brain and body active at the same time. And when the physical and mental aspects of martial arts work together, this mind-body connection increases mindfulness.
Why is increased mindfulness so great? When you become more mindful, you experience less stress. And when you experience less stress, your overall health improves.
So, here are a few ways that you can get more mindfulness through martial arts:
1. Simply breathing.
One of the simplest ways to create a strong connection between your body and mind is through your breathing. When you focus on inhaling and exhaling, the to-do list will gradually disappear. If you can’t concentrate during class, just pay attention to your breathing. This single point of focus will help you bring all of your attention to what’s happening on the mats.
2. Be aware of negative thoughts.
The best way to deal with negative thoughts is to become aware of when you have them. Unfortunately, it is impossible to stop negative thoughts from happening. But even though you can’t stop them, you can control how you treat your thoughts.
For example, pay attention to what you say to yourself while training. If you get frustrated while training, your inner dialogue might reflect how you’re feeling. Notice what you’re saying to yourself. And then reframe a negative thought into something more positive or productive.
3. Focus on yourself.
When you’re distracted by others in your class, it’s tough to maintain a mind-body connection. Remind yourself that the only person you need to compare yourself to is yourself. Don’t worry about the progress of your fellow students, and stay focused on your personal goals, skills, and improvement.
Classic Fight Team in Fountain Valley offers a variety of martial arts programs where you can experience the physical and mental health benefits of a consistent practice. To learn more about how to get started, contact us today.
