Benefits of boxing on mental health
Boxing is more than just a physical activity; it's a sport that can have a positive impact on mental health as well. From boosting confidence to decreasing stress, boxing training has several benefits that can help individuals improve their overall well-being. Let's take a closer look at some of the ways that boxing training can benefit mental health.
History of Boxing Training
Boxing is one of the oldest sports in the world, with a rich history that dates back to ancient Greece. The sport was included in the first Olympic Games in 686 BC, and has continued to evolve over the centuries. Boxing training has traditionally been used by professional fighters to improve their physical endurance, strength, and agility, but in recent years, it has become increasingly popular among non-professional athletes as a form of exercise and stress relief.
Philosophy of Boxing Training
Boxing training requires both physical and mental endurance. As a result, it teaches individuals to push beyond their limits and overcome their fears. The philosophy of boxing training is based on the idea that individuals can achieve anything they set their mind to, as long as they are willing to work hard and stay committed to their goals. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, discipline, and focus, all of which can be applied to other areas of life.
Psychology of Boxing Training
Boxing training has several psychological benefits, including improving self-esteem and reducing stress. Research has shown that regular exercise, including boxing, can increase the levels of endorphins in the brain, which are natural chemicals that help to reduce stress and improve mood. Additionally, the intense workout of boxing training can help individuals feel more confident in their physical abilities, leading to an overall increase in self-esteem.
One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that boxing training was an effective form of therapy for individuals with depression. The study showed that participants who engaged in boxing training experienced significant decreases in symptoms of depression, compared to those who did not engage in any form of exercise.
Another study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that boxing training was an effective way to reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem among adolescent girls. The study showed that regular boxing training led to significant improvements in mental health among the participants.
Overall, boxing training offers a unique combination of physical and mental benefits that can help individuals improve their overall well-being. From boosting confidence to reducing stress, the mental benefits of boxing training make it an ideal form of exercise for individuals looking to improve their mental health.
References:
- Davis, J. L. & Bynum, E. B. (2017). Boxing as therapy: A novel psychotherapeutic intervention for survivors of torture.
- Fernandez, R., Bernstein, E., & Suarez, E. (2018). Effect of boxing training on self-esteem levels of adolescents. Journal of sports science & medicine, 17(1), 121-126.
- Petersen, C., Knappe, S., Lieb, R., & Sarubin, N. (2019). The effect of exercise on physical and mental health—A longitudinal study of a random sample of employees in the commodity sector. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10.
With M23 mental performance coaching we are taking these result to the next level be incorporating elements of sports Psychology and behavioural modelling.
Lomachenko does a lot of training which is focused on his cognition. Please take a moment to appreciate his focus, discipline, work ethic and confidence. All of which are skills which can be learned.
To find out about Lomachenko's mental performance routine please follow the link to read my mental performance breakdown and analysis of his training methods.
Best wishes, Davie
