Brazilian Jiu jitsu as Therapy
Statistics show that around 21 million adult Americans go through depression each year, while around 15% of teens are affected by major depression. It is something that manifests in a wide variety of ways. Sometimes it is not only a sense of feeling “down” but can also manifest as persistent headaches, inability to focus, constant fatigue, or chest pain.
Therapy is often in the context of medical treatment and counseling. Apart from regular therapy, others have found positive results with less clinical means, such as the practice of BJJ for both physical exercise and stress management. This came about because more people wanted alternatives, since today’s society is riddled with pressures, not only personal but professional as well, that often take a toll on the mental health.
Brazilian Jiu jitsu is not only a great workout, but it is also a therapy. It is sometimes referred to as “mat therapy, Jiu-jitsu therapy, grappling escape, or even submission snuggling. Even though BJJ is a physical activity, there is also an immense mental factor that is involved. One must focus on the present task, clear the mind of the everyday clutter, and be confident in completing the drills.
Doing the drills over and over again to experience the positive benefits is very rewarding. It also gives you the change to become physically and psychologically active, blow your aggression, while becoming part of an encouraging community.
People who train in BJJ find stress relief while training. Jiu jitsu is also a source of “flow” wherein the sense of self is lost while the mental process becomes seamlessly identified with the activity, with also an energized focus. This was found to improve positive feelings and behavior. The unique mind and body connection makes Brazilian Jiu jitsu effective as a therapeutic modality.
The long-term psychological benefits of Brazilian Jiu jitsu training include increased confidence, better stress management, and better focus. Training in BJJ gives you the opportunity to work on both physical and mental strength and resilience and improve on how you face and manage challenges, in and outside of Jiu jitsu. BJJ training is a great compliment to various management protocols and will surely help with the daily stresses life throws at you.
The Jiu-jitsu culture is very welcoming and a big family. If you are in Naples Florida area looking for "Brazilian Jiu jitsu near me", you can try out a free week on us at Global Brazilian Jiu jitsu.