Rock Climbing: The Ascent towards Mental Wellness (Part 1)
Discover the psychological benefits of rock climbing. Learn how to strengthen your brain, attain a flow state and be happier. Even if you don't rock climb!
Read Time: 3 mins.
Content Shared: 2 Books, 1 Documentary, 1 short YT with Andrew Huberman and a fun gif!
A Different Approach And Style
Welcome to the first part of a two-week deep dive into the mental benefits of rock climbing. Climbing has been in my life since I was 14, and I’ve always been fascinated by it. It may surprise you to learn that rock climbing is not only a physically demanding sport but also a path toward better mental health.
Scaling New Heights
When you think of rock climbing, what do you picture? You may picture a daring individual ascending steep cliffs or indoor climbing walls, harnessing both physical strength and agility. However, what's often overlooked is the immense mental fortitude that the sport not only requires but cultivates.
Strength of Mind
Rock climbing demands a degree of mental exertion that few other sports match. It requires strategy. You must decide on the best route to reach the summit. It demands focus and concentration, blocking out all distractions. It also requires a healthy dose of courage to overcome fears and self-doubt.
“You won't fall if you don't climb, but there's no joy in living your whole life on the ground.- Unknown
A Natural Antidepressant
Physical activities, including rock climbing, have long been associated with a decrease in negative mental health symptoms. Engaging in climbing can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel-good' chemicals, leading to a sense of euphoria and a general state of well-being.
Meditative Ascend
Rock climbing also has a meditative quality to it. With its requirement for laser-focused concentration, when climbing, you often find yourself in a state of 'flow', a mental state where one is fully immersed in the task at hand, leading to a sense of serenity and fulfillment.
Here is a great video on flow!
Ways To Attain This Without Climbing
Problem-Solving Activities: Take on puzzles, escape room games, or strategy-based video games that engage your problem-solving skills, much like figuring out a climbing route.
Set Personal Challenges: Set personal goals that require effort to achieve. It could be reading a certain number of books each month, learning a new language, or picking up a new skill.
Physical Activities That Require Concentration: Engage in activities like yoga or tai chi that require focus and mindfulness, similar to the concentration needed in rock climbing.
Curious To Learn More?
‘Free Solo’ - I can’t write a newsletter without including a link to this incredible documentary on Alex Honalds free solo ascent of El Capitan.
"Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi - This book explores the concept of being in the 'zone' or 'flow' state, similar to the mental state when climbing.
"Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World" by Mark Williams and Danny Penman - This book offers practical exercises to increase mindfulness and concentration.
Stay Tuned For Part Two!
We've only just begun to explore the mental benefits of rock climbing. Rock climbing promotes mental fortitude, serves as a natural antidepressant, and has a meditative quality. In part two, we delve deeper into how rock climbing can cultivate resilience, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster a sense of achievement.
Stay tuned for the next continuation of the exploration into rock climbing's benefits for mental health. Trust me; you wouldn’t want to miss it! (Aug 7th)
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