Time Under Tension
Time under tension builds character, but it can also be dangerous. Here is how I deal with stress.
If you have ever lifted weights, then you probably have heard about “time under tension”. The longer your muscles are under tension in an exercise, the more strength you can gain.
But I’m not talking about weight lifting… I’m talking about life. Similar to the gym, time under tension in our lives is good. Instead of muscle, it builds character and perseverance. We find out who we are when we are living out days under tension.
I usually thrive under pressure. That’s not to say that I like it. I don’t. I prefer things to be going smoothly in life, just like anyone. Yet, there are always stressful times and I seem to find a way to rise above it mentally to get things done – whatever that may be.
But sometimes I start to run out of energy. My mental fortitude weakens. The time under tension is too long. If you’re under tension for a long time, it starts to feel normal. But it’s not normal. It’s dangerous.
The Best Medicine
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get into a routine and don’t even realize it, and this includes existing in a stressful state.
I have found that the most effective self-care tactic is to exercise. For me, it’s Muay Thai.
There is something incredibly therapeutic about punching and kicking the crap out of a heavy bag. Maybe it’s the primal aspect of it… “Me angry! Me hit things!”
You don’t have to buy all kinds of fancy fighting gear or join a smelly boxing gym, either. There are some boutique fitness gyms that specialize in boxing and kickboxing. The energy is great, facilities clean, and the workout will leave you feeling better physically and mentally. TITLE Boxing, Kickboxing.com, and CKO Kickboxing come to mind, but your city may have others.
The body and mind are connected. If they aren’t in sync, then that’s when I start to spiral a bit.
Most of the time my mind is taking care of my body, but every so often my body has to take care of my mind to relieve that time under tension.
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