Looking for the best martial arts for mental health? Cheer up, buddy, as the following article covers that all!
Martial arts are known to improve our physical strength. But do you know that martial arts have some really mind-boggling benefits on mental health?
Research has shown that martial arts have a positive effect on reducing depression and anger, thus improving mental health.
So, without any further ado, let’s dwell on the best martial arts for depression.
What are the Mental Benefits of Martial Arts?
Most people are well up with cool-looking martial arts fighting techniques. But they are unaware of the great psychological philosophies behind them. From boosting our confidence to making us more at peace, there are numerous psychological benefits of martial arts. So, let’s quickly break through them.
- The intense workout builds a direct link between martial arts and depression. It helps to increase the production of happy hormones. These hormones help in reducing anxiety and depression.
- The exercises often involve meditation and deep breathing, thus helping calm your body. That is why people suggest practicing martial arts for anxiety and depression.
- Practicing exercises results in the release of endorphins. Endorphins lift your mood, helping you develop confidence, and emotional stability and cope with stress.
- It helps you dig deep and improve your personality, boost self-esteem, empower your inner strength, etc.
Now that you are up with the benefits of mental health martial arts, let’s find the best martial arts for mental health that you should learn.
Read More: If you want to check the Best Martial Arts Boxing Bags for Anger Management then Click here.
Top 6 Best Martial Arts for Mental Health to Learn!
From boosting dopamine production to helping meditate, martial arts have a positive impact on mental health and wellness.
But not all disciplines of martial arts are equally effective and rewarding for mental health. Some types focus more on physical strength.
To help you out, enlisted below are the top 6 best martial arts for mental health and stability.
So, let’s blow-by-blow unfold them.
1. Karate
Karate is one of the most popular martial arts disciplines worldwide. It focuses on high kicks to improve flexibility and self-defense. But there are various mental benefits of karate that people are least aware of.
It helps its practitioners gain mental energy by learning how to regulate deep breaths. Similarly, high kicks and punches require full concentration. Thus, it helps you learn how to prevent your mind from getting distracted.
Lastly, it increases endorphin levels, which trigger positive energy.
2. Jiu jitsu
Jiu Jitsu is a form of martial arts that focuses on grappling rather than kicks and punches. Apart from the physical benefits, jiu jitsu mental health benefits are worth mentioning.
- Firstly, the intense chokes bring a rush drive of happy hormones.
- Secondly, it helps to remain focused.
- Last, regular practice of jiu jitsu leads to a positive mindset.
So, in short, there is a direct link between jiu jitsu and mental health. The more you practice Jiu Jitsu, the more relaxed your mind is.
3. Brazilian Jiu jitsu
If you don’t want to practice simple jiu jitsu for mental health improvement, why not try BJJ for mental health?
It is known to increase serotonin production which boosts the sense of well-being and confidence. It also helps in regulating the sleep cycle.
Among all BJJ mental health benefits, the one I like the most is that it enhances problem-solving skills. It helps people learn how to make sound and instant decisions.
Moreover, since you always need a partner to practice BJJ, it helps to grow your friend circle.
4. Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a safe martial art that involves lots of high-intensity workouts. It is known to improve stress and anxiety issues. Moreover, research shows that it helps build mental resilience in its practitioners. Ultimately, it leads to greater emotional stability, enhanced willpower, and confidence.
5. Taekwondo
We all know that Taekwondo is a soft form of martial arts. Its principles revolve around courtesy, perseverance, happiness, spiritual strength, and self-control.
It helps achieve a relaxed mind and peaceful body by helping learn deep breathing, mindful exercises, and meditation.
Moreover, it focuses on stress-releasing exercises too.
6. Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a form of martial arts based primarily on meditation.
It promotes relaxation, leading to better health. Similarly, its gentle moves, cognitive tools, and breathing tips decrease sympathetic output, which leads to a better mental state.
In addition to these top six best martial arts for mental health, various other forms help improve mental health like:
- Aikido
- Kung Fu
- Hapkido
Final Verdict
Martial arts help mental health improvement in various ways:
- reducing stress levels
- releasing endorphins
- meditation, etc.
Let it be the mental benefits of Brazilian jiu jitsu workout or stress-releasing principles of Taekwondo; all help us attain a better physique and peaceful mind.
So, stop muddling around, and start practicing any of the best martial arts for mental health betterment and achieving a sound body!
