How to Reduce Stress With Tai Chi
Known as a soft style within the martial arts, Tai Chi promotes inner energy through slow, connected movements. It's a style that can be practiced at any age in virtually any place to reduce tension and clear the mind.
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Things You'll Need
- Tai Chi Medidation Music
- Martial Arts Supplies
- Martial Arts Uniforms
- Tai Chi Videos
Instructions
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Research the library, bookstore or Internet to learn the history and underlying beliefs of Tai Chi. Start with a martial arts encyclopedia for a brief overview.
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Determine the extent of your involvement with Tai Chi. Do you seek the basic exercises for muscle tone and relaxation, or do you prefer learning the complex martial art over a period of years?
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Practice meditation. Start with the basics: breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth while focusing on your internal energy. Slowly count to four with each breath while imagining the stress leaving your body on each exhale and energy entering on each inhale you take.
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Try to keep your mind clear of distractions as you meditate. Sit on the floor or a chair in a quiet room with a single candle burning or with low light. The goal is to be comfortable while left alone.
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Allow yourself a minimum of 20 minutes to tense and relax muscle groups until you feel completely relaxed.
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Buy or rent a video on basic Tai Chi exercises and concentrate on learning one exercise at a time. Keep your body relaxed and fluid as you begin to practice new forms and movements. Begin to learn a new exercise or movement only after you've adequately learned the previous one.
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Coordinate your breathing with your movements. Inhale while you contract, rise, bend and lift. Exhale while you expand, lower, extend and fall.
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Practice exercises at the beginning and end of each day to renew energy and reduce stress.
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Tips & Warnings
If time is short, consider Tai Chi exercises during your workday lunch period.
Always keep your movements natural and comfortable.
Practice the exercises slowly and without tension to increase the flow of "chi," or life energy. The results will calm the mind and benefit mental health.
If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
