INTRODUCTION – LEARN NEW SKILLS AND BUILD RESILIENCE
The benefits of engaging in physical activities often skew towards the tangible, such as muscle strength and cardiovascular health and wellbeing. Yet, an often-overlooked advantage is the development of resilience and mental toughness. In this article, the relationship between learning new skills and building resilience that supports your mental and emotional wellbeing.
THE CONCEPT OF RESILIENCE
Resilience is the psychological ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. It is not just inborn but can be developed. When you immerse yourself in learning a new physical skill, you encounter challenges that require adaptability and resilience to overcome.
THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS TO BUILD RESILIENCE
Whether it’s failing to land a punch in boxing or falling off a bicycle, physical learning comes with its share of setbacks. Each failure serves as a miniature ‘School of Hard Knocks,’ teaching you how to rise again, thereby building resilience.
STRESS MANAGEMENT AND BUILDING RESILIENCE BY LEARNING NEW SKILLS
Learning a new physical skill places you in stressful situations that demand quick decision-making under pressure. This exposure trains you to handle stress in a controlled environment, effectively building your resilience and ability to manage future stressors.
THE VIRTUE OF PERSISTENCE
Resilience often goes hand-in-hand with persistence. Engaging in activities that require physical skill teaches you that setbacks are not the end but part of the journey. This realisation raises a persistent attitude, which is a cornerstone of resilience.
EMOTIONAL STRENGTH AND BUILD RESILIENCE
Another layer of resilience is emotional strength. Facing challenges and conquering them in a physical setting can contribute to emotional stability, enabling you to manage emotional disorders in life more effectively.
COGNITIVE BENEFITS – THE MENTAL GYM
Learning a physical skill is akin to exercising your brain. The process involves a lot of problem-solving and strategising, which boosts cognitive functions. Enhanced cognitive abilities aid in resourceful thinking during adverse situations, promoting resilience.
THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY
Many physical skills, such as team sports or group fitness activities, have a social component. The encouragement and constructive feedback from a community can be pivotal in building resilience, as social support often provides the emotional cushion needed to bounce back from setbacks.
THE SPILLOVER EFFECT AND LEARNING NEW SKILLS TO BUILD RESILIENCE
The resilience and mental toughness garnered from physical learning aren’t confined to that skill; they spill over into other areas of life. Whether facing work challenges or dealing with personal matters, the encouraged mental constitution aids you in diverse life scenarios.
THE LONG-TERM GAINS
Building resilience is not an overnight phenomenon. The long-term commitment to learning a new physical skill allows for the sustained development of resilience. Over time, this resilience becomes fixed, serving as a valuable trait for lifelong health and wellbeing.
CONCLUSION – LEARN NEW SKILLS AND BUILD RESILIENCE
Learning a new physical skill does more than just improve your physical attributes; it offers a full-spectrum health and wellbeing approach by contributing to your resilience and mental toughness. These psychological gains, although subtle, have a massive impact on your overall quality of life, turning obstacles into stepping stones.