BJJ is also known as Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art that evolved from Judo and traditional Jiu-Jitsu techniques and concepts. It is among the most popular and effective martial arts available in the world today. BJJ and martial arts have numerous benefits to the entire body and also in improving mental health therefore can be very useful for properly battling depression.
Our mental health is crucial and most times we overlook it. However, it’s important to note that mental state has a significant influence on our decisions, actions, habits, and overall quality of life. Brazilian jiu-jitsu training is a terrific approach to develop and maintain our mental health. There is an innate sense of advancement and fulfilment in the sport since it entails continuous growth and improvement.
Here’s how BJJ and martial arts helps with depression
Helps to distress
Depression is associated with lots of stress, worries and anxiety. Thus when stressed, our body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can alter your mood and even contribute to anxiety. Also, too much cortisol can contribute to sadness, especially if you feel helpless in the face of stress. Martial arts is a great way to keep the stress and worries down. Therefore, when you expose your body to the low levels of stress that come with physical exercise on a regular basis, you allow your body to develop resistance to it and, as a result, you help oneself become less impacted by other stressors in the long term.
Helps you remain active
Depression can be overwhelming and the best way to keep it away is by remaining active. Physical activity and martial arts are the way to keep you fit and active. Through martial arts you will learn how to defend yourself and your loved ones in the situation of danger, in addition to being physically active.
Enhances your mood
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is necessary for sensations of pleasure and happiness. However as we age we lose these hormones. As a result, we may be more susceptible to despair and anxiety. A martial arts training session is a quick remedy if you want to feel better. Martial arts, in addition to enhancing dopamine production, provides an unparalleled endorphin surge, ensuring that you will leave the gym feeling happy than when you arrived.
Helps you sleep better at night
For individuals who suffer from depression, sleeping at night may be quite difficult. Lack of sleep increases the production of cortisol that results in stress. Training in martial arts helps you relieve stress, through this physical activity your body tires fast allowing you to sleep better. Therefore, it enhances your sleep quality and helps you manage the roaming thoughts.
In conclusion, martial arts, especially BJJ, have major benefits both mentally and physically to any individual. They can be quite beneficial to individuals battling depression.
