Lockdown. Community quarantine. Shelter in place.
Whatever you may call it, the majority of the world’s population is still self-isolating. And if what happened in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the pandemic, is any indicator, then we are looking at a few more weeks of confinement.
And even then, health experts all over the world are saying that the general population must still behave as if they have the virus, which means taking all the necessary health and hygiene precautions in order to ward off any existing or possible viral infections.
As a result, a majority of industries, except for the essential services, may still not be open to the public. Mass gatherings are likely still going to be prohibited, and social distancing will, at least for now, be the new norm.
Burnout While in Quarantine?
Without realizing it, many of us are burned out staying out home. Maybe you haven’t found yourself in this state, but there’s a good chance that you are. Maybe you’re just in denial.
Feeling burned out during self-isolation is a real thing, and it’s happening more and more. There are physical and psychological manifestations that are being felt gravely, and if not properly addressed, may prolong one’s recovery and ability to go back to a normal frame of mind.
And you are probably wondering: how so? Well, here are a few reasons why.
- Working from home and working at home during a crisis are two extremely different things. When you choose to work from home, you can create an ideal work or office setup that will be beneficial for you or increase productivity. However, working from home in a crisis or pandemic creates more tension at home because you are not prepared to work long term or don’t have the necessarily tools in place.
- The saying “no man is an island” is a cliché for a reason. It means that it’s true. You can claim to be the most introverted person in the world, yet at some point in your life, you will need to reach out to someone. It’s just a fact of life.
- Routine is good and we are indeed “creatures of habit”, but without the absence of variety, a person’s sense of innovation is stifled. If we keep on doing the same thing at home, over and over again, we will definitely suffer mental anguish because we know that we need the outside world to function.
How Can Martial Arts Help?
The effects of burnout from self-isolation include weariness and stress. Many people find themselves tired after waking up because they are restless. They are anxious about the future, and this tires them out and inhibits productivity and can reduce the quality of sleep.
Martial arts is a great way of solidifying one’s foothold in life. Because of the fundamental traits being enhanced through Martial Arts, one finds himself or herself mentally strong and physically capable to withstand challenges encountered.
Because Martial Arts is a learned skill, a student or even a grandmaster undergoes continued learning, which stimulates the brain and enhances bodily functions.
When you engage in any physical activity, let alone something as engaging and energizing as Martial Arts, your locomotive skills are always operating and your mind is activated to move, decide, strategize, and act.
Even the way you breathe is heavily influenced and trained with Martial Arts. When you meditate, as many martial artists do, you find your center and you apply mental fortitude to your discipline. This allows you to find strength from within and therefore reflect that strength outwardly.
And most importantly, Martial Arts ignites you to be passionate about something. If you are really serious about enhancing your skills and honing your craft, specifically Martial Arts, you will not be able to succeed by just doing things halfheartedly. Martial Arts as a discipline or as a sport will just simply not allow it.
The role of Martial Arts in preventing burnout during self-isolation cannot be overlooked or taken for granted. And if we are able to realize it sooner rather than later, then we will definitely be better off.
