Ever feel super foggy and don’t realize you’re wearing two different socks until you get home at the end of the day? Or wake up frustrated and it becomes the clumsiest day you’ve ever had? I’ve felt a little like that lately. My mind has been going in a million directions and my body sometimes finds it hard to keep up. Some days I’ll chalk up to being uncomfortable with major life transitions. I am in the process of moving and starting a new job. But there are still some days I feel “off my game.”
What I’m saying is when my mind is imbalanced, so is my body. While I try not to spend too much time stressing over the aspects of my life over which I have no control, I will admit that it happens. Having a positive outlet to relieve stress is incredibly important. Lately, I’ve found that martial arts has been that outlet. The workout and forms allows be to shut my brain off and simply focus on what my body is doing. Especially on days when I feel “off,” I find that it is even more important to push myself to train my kung-fu, because I know that the focus, discipline, and motivation it inspires will me more beneficial than sitting and stressing.
The biggest benefit I have noticed is that martial arts helps me be less judgmental about my body, physically and mentally. For me, it has been transformed from something that I once thought weird into an outlet for my stress, anger, and frustration. When I am out on the floor, the only thing I have to focus on is my body and how it’s flowing, and my energy is spent doing something beneficial. And while marital arts is a constructive way to relieve stress, it’s also important to remember to take time to recharge. Be kind to your mind and body and don’t judge yourself for feeling “off.” We all have those days, but what separates us is how we choose to handle it. Spend some time doing something positive for yourself today.
Respectfully, Ace