The Academy of Martial Arts’ February theme is “Mental Strong.” This month, we explore the importance of mental health and strive to teach our students about different strategies for prioritizing mental health along with physical health.
All Canadians are directly or indirectly affected by mental health illness with themselves, a family member, friend, or colleague. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lives. Simply put, mental health should be a priority for all of us.
Thankfully, with knowledge comes power and the ability to affect change in your life. Let’s talk about how you can prioritize your mental health and why you should consider practicing karate as a strategy for mental health.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Why should you prioritize mental health? Well, mental health is a broad term that generally refers to our ability to handle the world around us in a way that provides joy, excitement, and interest. It does not mean that we should always be happy, which is both not possible and not what it means to live as a person. Rather, it means building up a greater self-awareness that we can use to provide the strength and energy we need to get through our day. It is in improving the foundation of our lives, in laying the groundwork for self-love, and in empowering us to truly live as ourselves.
Prioritizing mental health has improved the lives of millions of people. It has led to increased focus, less stress, less anxiety, an end to depression and an easier time controlling our own behaviors. If you are thinking about improving your own mental health and taking a greater interest in yourself, then there are countless ways you can do this. One of the most exciting and engaging ways includes participating in-group activities like karate.
Why Should I Consider Karate?
In terms of improving your mental health, karate can be seen as a full mind and body exercise. It is a meditation that you do through breathing, awareness of the moment, and the form your body takes. It is all about mastery, practice, determination, and results. In pursuing karate, you can build a skillset that few other people have. You stand up for your health, happiness, and well-being. You become better at approaching the world around you and more capable of standing up for the things you love. In the end, karate can give you an excuse to exercise, meet more people, and prioritize your own mental health.
