The physical benefits of doing martial arts are obvious. They are great for staying fit and developing strength. However, many studies have shown that the influence that regular workouts have on your physique is only one of many benefits. 

An asset that is much more significant is the positive influence that regular practice of martial arts has on a person’s psyche. Martial arts are known to improve many different neurological functions and help with energy boosts in day-to-day life. We’ll introduce you to just a few of those benefits and show you how they can make you feel like a new and improved you.

Raises confidence

Sometimes our insecurities and mental issues can prevent us from leading carefree, healthy lives. This can have a huge influence on our self-confidence. The team behind BJJ Informer believed that martial arts will not only help you improve your well-being, but also regain your faith in yourself and your abilities. Improving the way you look is one of the advantages, but it’s not the only one. Due to the many turbulences in life, we can sometimes stop believing in our skills and start downgrading our strengths. Practising martial arts can help us regain the faith that we lost.

Improve cognitive functions

This is one of the biggest advantages there are. If you are a fan, or you have practiced martial arts before, you know that sometimes having strength and durability is not enough to beat your opponents. Thinking fast and developing a good tactic is a crucial part of martial arts training. Having to be mentally sharp at all times will also translate to a world outside the training room. You will improve your cognitive functions, which will help you with studying and also improve your memory. 

Teaches you discipline and responsibility

We’ve all had those periods of time when we simply can’t make ourselves productive in any way. It can last for days and even months. However, when you start practicing martial arts, you will notice those periods getting less and less frequent. Martial arts will help you learn how to control your emotions and even some unconscious physical reactions. Additionally, they will help you learn how to be responsible for your actions and reactions. When you apply that knowledge to your everyday life, you are guaranteed to improve your success in every field.

Alleviates stress

Stress is most commonly referred to as the silent killer, and with a good reason. Unfortunately, it has become practically unavoidable in today’s day and time. Everyday life has become more dynamic and stressful than it was ever before. Our only hope for at least a little bit of relief is to find a way to alleviate it for a time. And dedicating time and patience to martial arts practice is the perfect way to do that. It will be a good outlet for all the negative energy that you collected during the day.

Dopamine release

Dopamine is one of the best hormones in our body. Also known as a ‘happiness’ hormone, it will be activated after your training, leaving you happier and more energetic than ever before. Developing a good hormone balance in your body is crucial for your mental and physical well-being. When every screw does its work smoothly and on time, the machine will work properly. The same goes for our bodies, and that’s why it’s important to stay in shape and exercise regularly. And when you practice martial arts, you are bringing yourself to a completely new level.

Improves focus

Martial arts training is designed in a way that will teach you how to stay mentally present in your life at all times. Nowadays, this is a rarity thanks to numerous distractions we are surrounded with on a day-to-day basis. Focusing on yourself, your body, and thoughts as a whole will help you both in the training room, as well as outside of it. That is a sure way to improve your quality of life.

Put your anger to good use

Sometimes, we get so angry that we feel like we could implode. If you bury those feelings, they will fester, and create many more problems in the long run. Martial arts will help you focus that anger on something productive that will help you improve yourself both physically and emotionally. 

Takeaway

Many people underestimate martial arts, attributing to them the title of just one more type of sport. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. As the name says, it is a type of physical art, that teaches you more than one skill. If you want to stay active, while also learning how to control your mind and understand yourself better, martial arts could be the perfect thing for you.

Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.