If your mind feels busy even when you finally sit down, slowing your body down may be one way to change the pace.
Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, is often described as “meditation in motion. In a June 4 article, Harvard Health looked at how its slow movements, breathing and guided imagery may help promote relaxation and ease some of the effects of stress.
Tai Chi may help promote relaxation and reduce some harmful effects linked with stress, including high blood pressure and related cardiovascular problems, according to Harvard.
That does not mean Tai Chi should replace medical care or treatment. If you have a health condition or concerns about exercise, speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before starting a new routine. Start small. Find a comfortable place where you can stand without bumping into furniture. Keep your movements gentle and focus on your breathing. Rather than trying to copy a complicated routine immediately, pay attention to how your feet meet the ground and how your body moves from one position to another.
