A lot of research and discussion has been carried out on the mental health benefits of general exercise and sports, but does it also apply to combat sports such as martial arts, wrestling, boxing, and many others? This article will discuss some of the many mental perks of participating in combat sports, whether you want to enjoy them recreationally or you’re at the professional level.
It Improves Focus, Attention, & Decision-Making Skills
Regardless if you’re working on your technique on your own or you’re sparring or in a match with an opponent, combat sports demand your undivided attention.
The unpredictable nature of these types of sports requires you to be on your toes and be able to react to what’s around you, especially if you’re competing against someone in the ring. Luckily, the level of concentration needed to be proficient can be worked on through training and as you adapt to your opponent’s movements.
By regularly enjoying sports like MMA, boxing, wrestling, and many others, you might find it easier to focus your attention in other areas of your life and help you become more successful at them, like work and school, due the skills that you can develop while practicing your preferred sport. Naturally, this can make you feel confident in your abilities.
It Encourages Socialization & Sportsmanship
Although combat sports can be highly-competitive in nature, a significant portion of your time will be spent working with coaches and peers who are looking to help each other achieve their goals.
You might be performing as an individual, but there is definitely a sense of teamwork and community involved in these kinds of sports, and this can be a valuable support system that lasts a lifetime, and this can be exactly what someone needs in their life.
It will also teach a sense of respect for others in different ways like being humble and listening and learning from others and having good sportsmanship during training or competition. It’s not about winning or losing, but rather the friends and experiences that you make along the way, and perhaps you can be a mentor to someone who is new to the game.
It Decreases Stress & Improves Self-Esteem
Just like all other forms of exercise, combat sports will help release endorphins in the body, which will improve your mood and decrease pain, which combined with the physical benefits of it, will lead to an overall improved sense of well-being.
This is why sports and exercise are often prescribed as a way to de-stress and reduce the symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, and some could argue that combat sports are amongst the best things you can do for yourself due to the intensity of the activity. It is, in fact, one of the most engaging ways to do cardio while practicing a specific skill set.
Of course, while sports can be an extremely effective way of coping, it shouldn’t be a replacement for professional assistance, like counseling and therapy. If you struggle with chronic mental health concerns, see here to learn more and start fighting it today with a licensed professional.
At the end of the day, all types of exercise are paths to self-improvement and the accomplishments you make along the way will make a huge difference in how you think and feel as long as you stay persistent.
Conclusion
There is a lot more to intense combat sports than just defeating your opponent, and hopefully, this article was a great reminder about all of the victories you can gain by practicing them. There is a great deal of patience and discipline that goes into being skillful and this can give a stronger sense of purpose in life.
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
