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Tai Chi and Qigong are beneficial exercises that may be easier for a senior to do than strenuous activities. They can help you de-stress and improve your mental and physical health. Here are the ways these meditative art forms help reduce stress.
What Are Tai Chi and Qigong?
Qigong focuses on posture, movements, breathing, and meditation to help the energy within your body flow smoothly. There are hundreds of different styles, but all related to the terms Qi (breath) and Gong (gained through repetition and practice).
The movements in Qigong strengthen muscles and joints while also promoting circulation and emotional health. Studies find that the regular practice of Qigong can help with balance, stress, and blood pressure.
Like Qigong, Tai Chi is an internal art that helps improve physical and emotional health. The basic premise is to help the body’s “chi” (energy) flow properly. To do this, you use breathing exercises and steady movements that help strengthen your inner core. This helps improve balance, reduces stress, and helps with muscle tone and agility.
How Do They Help With Relaxation and Stress Relief?
Both Qigong and Tai Chi pair slow, determined movements with deep breathing. Deep cleansing breaths are a vital part of the exercises, but the breathing is paired with the movements of the hands, feet, arms, and legs. It’s the breathing that helps with stress relief.
Deep breathing is found to help boost the stress-reducing chemicals within the body. Stress increases the production of cortisol. When you practice deep breathing, you boost endorphins, which are the chemicals that make you feel happy and relaxed.
Leave yourself time to de-stress and relax. If you’re so busy providing the care your mom and dad need, it’s easy to fall into a situation where you never take time for self-care. With caregivers, you can take breaks.
Go to a Tai Chi or Qigong class. Practice these meditative art forms at home when you’re taking a break thanks to the caregivers you’ve hired. You’ll feel better and be ready to help your parents with daily tasks.
If you or a loved one are looking for experienced a Caregiver in Vienna, VA, contact SenCura at 703-880-2547. Providing in-home senior care in Northern Virginia.