Tai chi has a number of health benefits, some of which can be particularly good for writers and other creative artists.
Tai chi has a number of health benefits, some of which can be particularly good for writers and other creative artists.
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How about an exercise that stretches your sore muscles, centers your scattered thoughts, and reduces your stress?
An exercise you can do in the privacy of your own home, whenever you need to—even in between projects? An exercise that not only improves your physical health, but your mental health as well—and that might even boost your creativity?
Have you tried tai chi?
If you haven’t, here are five reasons why you should. Turns out this exercise is ideal for writers and other creatives.
What is Tai Chi?
In case you’re not familiar, tai chi is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. Sometimes called a “moving meditation,” it’s a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of slow, careful movements performed in a focused manner while concentrating on the breath.
Though the practice began centuries ago as a way to defend oneself or to fight a battle, over time it became a way to experience many health benefits. One of the core concepts of the practice is to balance yin and yang, or the feminine and masculine forces in each of us, so to speak.
There are a number of different styles of tai chi, but they all share a goal of increasing strength, flexibility, and balance. Many practitioners believe that the flow of movements help get vital energy, called “qi,” moving throughout the system.
There are a number of health benefits of tai chi. It’s a low-impact exercise, for example, which makes it a great option for those with knee, hip, or back problems who can’t manage other more pounding types of exercise.
It’s a weight-bearing exercise, however, as one has to support his or her own weight, so it can help maintain strong bones.
Tai chi is also an aerobic exercise. When you see someone practicing the slow movements, you may have a hard time believing that it would get your heart rate up, but it does just that. The combination of holding the poses, moving through them, and breathing deeply all work to get the heart pumping.
READ MORE:WritingandWellness.com- 5 Ways Tai Chi Can Make You A Better Writer
Original article written by Colleen M. Story on WritingandWellness.com