Posted on September 12, 2017 by Jiu Jitsu Nation
With over 18% of adults in America suffering from some form of anxiety, it is no wonder that there are so many therapeutic regimens out there that claim they can help cure the disorder. Anyone with anxiety can tell you how debilitating it can be to live with such a disorder that controls your life. It is so powerful that it impacts personal aspects in the victim’s life, which is why there is such a need to find peace. Although there are several ways of handling anxiety, there is, unfortunately, not one right cure-all treatment. There are, however, several other options to help with the disorder.
In many cases, people use medication to help treat anxiety, but there are those who treat the disorder in other ways without the use of prescription medication. Many have reported that using techniques such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has actually helped them and some even claim that it got rid of their anxiety completely. If you are trying to find relief from your anxiety symptoms through more physical means, you might want to give Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a try. The results may surprise you.
Concentrate on the Now
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may be a physical related art, but it goes beyond that. The focus is also on the mind, which many people who suffer from anxiety have issues controlling. With anxiety disorders, a common symptom is having racing thoughts, or anxious thoughts, especially about the future. It can be difficult to relax and feel stress-free with so much going on in your mind.
With Jiu Jitsu, one of their practices is to train your mind to focus on the present rather than the future. You are told to empty out your thoughts completely to have better control. At the same time, your focus is zeroed in completely on your “opponent” so you can think about other things. The redirection is very much needed for those who can’t seem to keep gain control on their thoughts. Having this sort of stability is very beneficial for those who suffer from anxiety and in many cases can be the first step to healing.
Physical Activity = Happy Neurons
Unfortunately, there are some who suffer from anxiety for several years. When this happens, especially if it goes untreated, your anxiety symptoms can stretch out to link to other disorders such as depression. When this happens, it can be hard to feel any relief or joy. There are “happy neurons” in your brain that are triggered in various ways, one including physical activity. Jiu Jitsu provides the physical activity one needs to release these “happy neurons,” also known as endorphins, to make you feel contented again. It may not be an instant fix, but over time, you should start to see and maybe even feel an improvement in your behavior. When you start to feel better, your other symptoms could gradually fade away.
Survive Under Pressure
Those who suffer from any form of anxiety disorder live in a constant state of pressure when trying to balance their personal lives and anxiety. It is stressful, and for many, it can be debilitating, especially with no understanding of how to control or escape it. Jiu Jitsu provides the tools their students need to survive and strive when put under pressure. When they are placed against an opponent or possible threat, they are taught what it takes in order to escape successfully. Victims of anxiety can apply these same lessons to their own symptoms to learn how to better cope. When they no longer feel the same stress level or learn how to better control it, their lives may become much easier.
Motivation
As stated before, anxiety can sometimes go hand-in-hand with depression. With depression comes lack of motivation to do much of anything. However, once you join a Jiu Jitsu class, you find real benefits and great classmates who all support you. With these two elements combined, you will find more motivation to get out of bed and come to class. The more you come to class, the better your results will be over time.
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