Flow: “a cognitive state where one is completely immersed in an activity…it involves intense focus, creative engagement, and the loss of awareness of time and self”- Psychology Today (2021).
“I kind of entered a flow state. I’ve been there before while climbing. You are not thinking ahead. You are just thinking about what is in front of you each second.”- Aron Ralston
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2017), over 40 million adults in the USA have an anxiety disorder. I myself have struggled with anxiety that manifests as the need to be constantly productive in order to subdue my racing thoughts. Because of my overactive mental state, I struggle with insomnia nearly every night, and I find it extremely difficult to meditate or calm my mind. Enter climbing. When I am on the wall my brain flips a switch, and I go into a flow state, much like how climber and outdoorsman Aron Ralston describes, where my breath and body movements keep me grounded completely in the present moment. I do not think about anything other than my next move and current state of being, and this is absolutely liberating. For me, climbing delivers the gift of mindfulness, of transient hypofrontality more than any meditation or yoga class, and it has been invigorating to realize just how beneficial my favorite sport is for my mental health. People often do not think of climbing as a form of therapy, but in my case, it has helped transform my anxiety by instigating a flow state and allowing my mind to ease into presence.
As I began to pay attention to how climbing was affecting my mental health, I noticed a trend: I would crave an intense session and push myself to my limits whenever I was processing anger, rage, sadness, or grief. I recently went through a difficult breakup, and I experienced the roller coaster of emotions that came in unexpected waves–oscillating from angry to hurt to sad then happy in a matter of minutes. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by these feelings, I would make a point to go to the gym and climb as hard as I could, and I would always leave feeling more grounded and at peace with my feelings. I noticed that my rage translated into energy that helped me hold onto the crimp that had caused me to fall time and time again. My sadness dissipated into the back of my mind when I was focused on sending a project.
The flow state of climbing helped me to get back into my body in order to process my emotions. It helps that the climbing gym provides a very social atmosphere, and climbers are generally extremely welcoming and kind. On top of releasing my volatile emotions on the wall, the ability to process my feelings and talk about my breakup with friends at the gym has been an incredible resource in healing my heart. The climbing community has become a lifeline for me as I navigate the trials of life, and I know that it will continue to support me and challenge me as I work to become stronger, more resilient, and emotionally stable. The wall will always be there for me on a tough day.
For my fellow climbers: Next time you finish a session at the gym, reflect on how you felt while climbing, how you came into the session, and how you are leaving it. You might be surprised just how healing the wall can be.
For all the non-climbers out there: Pay attention to how certain activities, sports, and exercises make you feel. Reflect on how you felt before, during, and after, and notice your mind-body connection. If this blog has sparked an interest in climbing, check out your local climbing gym! As always, please feel free to comment below.
I am so immersed in climbing this route that I am not thinking about anything else. My body and mind are calm and focused on the task at hand. This happens so infrequently in my life that I need to appreciate it whenever I can!
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