Have you ever been in a situation that upsets you or throws you into a bad mood? What about having too much work to do? Or, it’s another rainy day. Maybe your baby cries all night and you never get any rest. Or, your finances are in shambles and you do not know what to do. Whatever the situation, you feel out of control and uneasy and your energy easily turns to anger before you know it. How can you release these negative energies so you can think clearly and find a solution?

I can’t say 100% that martial arts help you find the answers to any of these difficult situations or to any truth at all. But they are a tool that help you manipulate difficult situations and negativity. Practicing martial arts gives your body a work out and distracts your mind so you can re-energize. I don’t know about you, but when I practice martial arts I only think about what I am doing in that moment, which is a great stress reliever. Sometimes, your problems cannot be solved when you are emotional or upset. Calm your spirit. Along with martial art practice, try meditation, prayer, or reflection to rejuvinate.

PUNCHING & KICKING

Punching and kicking a martial art bag always gives me respite from the world around me. For a few minutes, all my worry and aggression flows from my fingers and feet straight into the heavy weight bag that magically absorbs all. My other martial art stress reliever is yelling. With every kick or punch comes a belly-blasting yell that sets my energy in action. Forms and patterns also provide a mixture of thought and action that block your mind from negative thoughts.

FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF

When you practice a martial art, you feel better about yourself and the world around you. Your practice in this specific moment helps you face some of your issues and concerns differently in the next moment. The aggression you squeeze out in your workout dissipates and leaves you with an improved perspective on how to evaluate and handle obstacles.

Someone gave me some interesting advice. He said when when I get upset I need to realize that there are always alternatives. I initially brushed it off because I did not want to hear it. It implied that my “feelings” are not valid. But, I realized that emotions get in the way of positive change. Martial art practice clears my head so I can ponder the issues and the answers. You have the power to make changes and improvements in yourself. And, if the burden feels too heavy, you have the ability to define a new criteria and solution. The key to it all is to derail your negativity first.

ANXIETY & STRESS

2020 is an amazingly unique, strange, and difficult year. Who could have imagined the world shutting down and all the changes that cause stress and concern? Lockdowns, face masks, financial impacts, travel restrictions, and job issues are a few of the factors with which we need to cope. Here in Tucson we have a raging fire up on the mountain and people evacuating their homes, as result. Just when you think things are calming down, another catastrophe happens. Who wouldn’t feel a little anxious?

When anxiety shows its face, it is time to do something purposeful and positive. Martial art practice gives you the opportunity to break your negative mindset, just like crashing through a big fat board as if it is a toothpick. Punch, kick, and yell (things we otherwise don’t or can’t do unless it’s martial art practice!) and follow up with your favorite form of mindfulness. Then, see how you feel.

OPTIONS

Like I said earlier, martial arts are not the answer to everything , but they provide you with the chance to regroup before you dwell too long on a situation. Refresh your mind, body, and spirit. You will see that this moment in time will not last. Every moment flows to the next. Take a deep breath and consider what IS good in your life right now. For what are you grateful? How can you apply your martial art mindset to your life? What are your next goals? How have your grown during this time?

There is always something positive in the negative. The job you dislike may be the catalyst to push you to find something better. You may figure out what other times you can sleep if the baby keeps you up all night. If your finances are in shambles, you realize you need a plan to improve it. If you lost your job, you may finally take a risk and pursue your entrepreneurial side.

You see, there are always options. If you are a trained martial artist or practice self-defense, you know that there is no one answer to how to defend. That is why you learn several defenses to each type of attack. Life is no different. Keep an open mind and know that you might need to choose a different defense or option, but one is sure to work. Don’t get angry, afraid or anxious. Instead take control of your own personal situation through martial art practice, effort, and an open mind.

xoxo

Andrea

Check our more podcasts here with positive insights:

https://anchor.fm/andrea-harkins

Pick up one of my motivational books:

The Martial Arts Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Moti…/…/1544916213

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Ev…/…/150297830X