Regular practice of Tai Chi Chuan can reduce, if not eliminate your levels of both stress and anxiety. As a bonus, Tai Chi training will give you better balance and flexibility.

Adults in the U.S. are a pretty stressed out bunch

One effective strategy you may want to try for relieving stress is Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial arts practice.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial arts that people have been practicing for thousands of years.

The purpose of Tai Chi is to help bring the mind and body into alignment so that our energy, or qi, is able to flow through us is a smooth and powerful way without any interruptions. The more you practice Tai Chi and work on bringing your mind and body together, the more harmony you will foster between your inner and outer self.

Benefits of Tai Chi for stress

There are many physical and mental health benefits associated with practicing Tai Chi, from improved balance and strength to reductions in anxiety.

One of the greatest benefits of Tai Chi, though, is the practice's ability to help minimize feelings of stress. The following are some of the most significant ways that Tai Chi relieves stress:

Lowers blood pressure

Many people who struggle with chronic stress are prone to high blood pressure. High blood pressure, in turn, increases one's risk of developing serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease.

Participating in practices like Tai Chi on a regular basis can help to lower your blood pressure and bring it back down to a normal range.

Over time, as you practice maintaining a calm and equanimous mind, you'll find that you're able to avoid dramatic spikes in your heart rate and blood pressure even during high-stress times.

Improves mental focus

Tai Chi also does a great job of helping people to improve their mental focus and stay present.

When you're able to remain in the present moment and keep your mind from drifting into fear of the future, it's easier for you to remain calm and avoid feeling stressed out by everyday events.

Improves mood

Many people find that their mood improves when they begin practicing Tai Chi on a regular basis. Some research even shows that Tai Chi can help to prevent and treat mental health disorders like depression and severe anxiety.

There are a few possible reasons for this. First, practicing Tai Chi gets you up and moving. This helps your body to release endorphins, chemicals that help to boost your mood.

Tai Chi also helps you to stay calm and present, both of which can contribute to you feeling happier and less bogged down by fears of the future or regrets from the past.

Improves sleep quality

Tai Chi can also help you to sleep more soundly at night. When you're well-rested, it's easier for you to stay present and patient and avoid letting small stressors throughout the day overwhelm you.

Getting better sleep is also good for other markers of chronic stress, such as high blood pressure and a reduced ability to focus.

If you want to feel less stress in your day-to-day life, you ought to consider trying Tai Chi. Here are some of the most effective positions you may want to start with to begin experiencing the healing and stress-relieving benefits that Tai Chi has to offer:

Rocking

Rocking is a great technique for beginners who want to start feeling the benefits of Tai Chi. It stimulates pressure points in the feet. When these pressure points get stimulated, the mind begins to calm down and the rest of your body will start to relax.

Stand up straight and separate your feet so they're shoulder-distance. Slowly rock back and forth, moving your weight from your heels to your toes. Rock in a slow, soft, and controlled way, paying careful attention to the way your body feels as your weight shifts.

Supine position

Supine breathing can be very effective for those who struggle to fall asleep at night. It promotes relaxation and minimizes stress so you can find your way into a deep slumber.

Start by lying in a supine position (flat on your back) with your arms at your side. Close your eyes and, as you breathe, relax each area of your body individually. Start with your head and work your way down to your feet. It's okay if you fall asleep before you get to your feet.

Try Tai Chi today

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to give Tai Chi a try, especially if you're dealing with a lot of stress or anxiety in your life.