Anger is normal. Everyone experiences moments when pent-up frustration bubbles up to the surface and seethes out as anger. However, being in a constant state of anger or feeling quick to the emotion can indicate a potential mental health concern.
Are there practices besides therapy that can help manage anger? Specifically, can martial arts help you control your anger? Learn the answer and some other important information below.
Understanding Anger
As we mentioned, anger is a natural emotion that everyone experiences. It can arise from feelings of frustration, hurt, or injustice. There are also many environmental factors contributing to anger and stress.
When left unchecked, anger can lead to destructive behaviors and strained relationships. This is why finding appropriate outlets and working to control your triggers is important if you have a strong relationship with anger. Could martial arts be that outlet?
How Physical Activity Helps
Physical activity is good for your physical and mental health in thousands of ways, including for emotional management. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, which can lift your mood and promote calmness. Physical activities also increase focus and discipline, helping individuals channel their energy productively.
How Martial Arts Is Uniquely Able To Help
Martial arts are physical activities, so it’s safe to say that they definitely do help with anger management. However, there are a few unique ways in which such sports benefit emotional health that many other physical activities can’t.
Powerful Release
There’s something cathartic about punching, grappling, and making other powerful movements in martial arts. If your anger makes you feel physically aggressive, then martial arts is an appropriate and effective space to release that tension. Even if you don’t feel physically aggressive, the intensity of martial arts is still incredibly effective at resolving emotional tension.
Strategy and Control
Any type of martial arts is a dance as much as it is a sport. It requires controlled movement and thoughtful strategy to come out on top. When you engage in a match, you channel your energy into focus, ignoring urges that won’t win you the tussle. Off the mat, this improved focus can lead to better emotional control. You’ll be less likely to indulge an angry urge if you know it won’t benefit you in the long run.
Seeking Multiple Productive Outlets for Anger
While martial arts provide a helpful avenue for anger management, it shouldn’t be your only outlet. Therapy should be your first recourse if you’re struggling with the emotion. Combined with martial arts, therapy can help you understand your mind and become the master of your emotions. Additionally, here are some other productive outlets:
- Time in nature
- Creative or physical hobbies
- Writing
