This is an
article written by a woman who has used martial arts as a tool for recovery
from mental illness. The article is a fun read.
Here is the link: http://bit.ly/ZJ8zLQ I believe in using recovery tools that work
for the individual. And I can certainly
see the reasons that something like martial arts could have a truly positive
impact on someone struggling with mental illness. Physical activity is wonderful for ‘curing’
what ails you. Many health conditions
are improved by becoming active physically.
Physical activity has a strong impact on your mental health. One day, in the midst of a panic, my friend
Maria Georgo* directed me firmly to go outside and take a brisk walk. I found it is very difficult to stay in a
panicked state when you are outside in the sunshine and walking. Of course, it didn’t solve my problems. But it did help me to become more grounded
and ready to talk reasonably. And
studies confirm that mental health is improved by regular physical activity
I love this
article for more than one reason. The
author is honest about the impact of using martial arts as one of her tools in
the toolbox. She talks about the impact
of martial arts on anxiety and lack of confidence. She has a great sense of humor and seems to
understand how the discipline of the activity helps to provide focus. In addition, the workouts help her cope with
the side-effects of medication. That includes
the weight gain, exhaustion, and dry-mouth.
She also discussed how the martial arts training helped her release her
feelings of irritability and anger. If
you have ever had depression, you know that the irritability and anger are
sometimes overwhelming and help create problems in relationship with your loved
ones. If I could decrease my
irritability and anger through physical activity, it provides me with a great
reason to battle the inertia and simply do it.
In my opinion, that is one of the worst symptoms.
Finally,
she acknowledges that the discipline and confidence that she finds in her
martial arts workouts lead to improvement in all areas of life. I can certainly see that. What about you? What do you see in this article that will
make your life better? Now, I want you
to understand that martial arts are not the only physical activity that can be
used to deal with mental illness. I can
see any number of physical activities that could help you with the symptoms
that bother you the most. Plus, being
physically active is a confidence booster generally. How do you feel when you are disciplined
enough to follow up on your need for physical activity? If you regularly get out and walk, do
kick-boxing, jazzercise, or any other activity that you enjoy, you are taking
care of yourself physically and mentally.
I encourage you to do so. As a
person who goes through periods when I don’t take care of myself in this way, I
KNOW that I feel better when I get out there and just do it. What do you think? Is it the same for you? Maybe we can act as a mutual support and
accountability system for each other.
Get out there! It is spring after
all, and maybe a simple daily walk will make a difference. Or get to the gym. Slip an exercise video into the TV and work it
out. Just do it! And let me know if it helps. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.
*Maria Georgo is a Life Coach at Know Barriers in Lake Mary, Florida.
Maria@knowbarriers.com
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