The Fighting Mindset: 5 ways in which Boxing Training can improve your Mental Health
Boxing is known for its physical demands and it's clear the sport has many physical benefits. What many people don't realize, is that it's more than just punches and jabs, it's also a mental workout. For those of you who come to see me regularly, you know that this is true. You can come into the gym feeling like absolute sh#t and come out feeling fantastic.
A round of punching the bag or pads does that. Not only can boxing help you feel better on the short term, it has many benefits for your long term mental health too. From reducing stress and anxiety to increasing self-esteem and confidence, the benefits of boxing training for mental health are numerous.
In this article, we'll take a look at how boxing can help improve your focus, resilience, and overall mental well-being.
Build resilience
Boxing is one of the hardest sports you will ever do. It might not look difficult, but it is. It's tough, frustrating and can be uncomfortable. In fact, I'd like to say it's more a mental sport than a physical sport.
In each training session you will overcome adversities and empower yourself by going on and coming back for your next session. The more you train, the more resilience you build. This does not only improve your boxing skills but can be applied in your day to day outside the gym. The mental resilience you build up during boxing training can help you push through hard times.
Improve Focus & Concentration
Training any form of boxing requires a high level of focus and concentration.
If you are training as a fighter, you need to be constantly aware of your opponent's movements and respond quickly and effectively. If you are using boxing for fitness purposes, your focus needs to be on your form and the training mitts at all time.
This improves focus and concentration which you can apply in other areas of your life as well.
Let those endorphins flow
Engaging in intense physical exercise releases endorphins in your body. These are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression and are responsible for creating those feel-good thoughts and feelings. Punching a bag has been found to be particularly effective at releasing endorphins, making it an excellent option to improve your mental health.
Build self-esteem
In addition to the release of endorphins, boxing training can also help improve self-esteem and confidence. As you grow in your boxing journey your will learn new techniques and improve your skills. You are feeling proud of yourself (and should!) and build your self-esteem. You may even find that you feel more capable and self-assured in other areas of your life, too.
Let it go!
Boxing training is a great way to channel pent-up emotions, such as anger or frustration. Punching a heavy bag or hitting pads provide a fantastic outlet for these feelings, helping to reduce feelings of stress and tension. This can be especially beneficial for those who have a hard time expressing their emotions in a healthy way.
Box to boost your mental health
In conclusion, boxing training does not only offer many physical benefits, it is also a powerful tool to improve mental health.
The Fighting Mindset that is developed with boxing training can improve focus, resilience, and overall mental well-being. Whether you're in the ring or out in the world, the mental benefits of boxing training can help you navigate life's challenges and come out the champion.
Remember that the true fight is the one in your mind, and boxing can help you win it. Come and try it for yourself, it may just be the perfect way to boost your mental and physical health!