Most martial arts students find that the benefits of their training extend into other areas of life. As you create training habits that improve your performance in martial arts, these habits will begin to affect your lifestyle.
Trying to adopt better habits benefits your health and well-being. Here are five healthy habits for martial arts and daily life:
1. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated helps with your martial arts training and how you feel throughout the day. Your body is about two-thirds water, so any dip below a normal hydration level can affect your performance both on and off the mat. By drinking enough water, your body’s systems can function properly. To make sure that you’re drinking enough, drink a glass of water with every meal. Also, drink water throughout the day, including before and after training.
2. Get Plenty of Sleep
Just as hydration affects your training and performance, so does the quantity and quality of your sleep. Getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night helps your body repair itself from both the stress of training and daily life. So, if you’re starting to feel a little bit run down after training, check in with your current sleep habits and make sure you’re getting enough each night.
3. Recover Properly
Not only does proper recovery matter in your training, but prioritizing recovery is a critical factor in other areas of your life as well. Your body treats all sources of stress the same. Taking care of yourself and making sure you’re getting adequate rest will keep you healthy and better able to manage stress from both training and life.
4. Eat Real, Nutritious Foods
You’ve probably heard the saying, “food is fuel.” What you eat fuels more than your next workout or training session. Diet is unique to everyone, but overall, make sure that you’re eating a variety of whole, nutritious foods. Aim for a mixture of fruits and vegetables, lean or plant-based protein sources, and complex carbohydrates. Do your best to avoid heavily processed and pre-packaged food. You’ll feel better and have more energy during your workouts and throughout the day.
5. Keep a Training Log or Journal
Another healthy habit for martial arts and daily life is keeping a training log or journal. It’s helpful to record each of your training sessions with notes on the duration and intensity of your training. Write down how you felt and what you want to work on in the future. Tracking your training can help you focus and set future goals leading to continued growth and improvement. Training with a sense of purpose can lead to increased self-confidence and discipline, benefiting other areas of your life, as well.
At The Way Family Dojo in Magnolia, we’re here to support you as you become safer, stronger, and more confident. To learn more about the programs and classes we’re currently offering, contact us today.