The spring semester of my Integrative Health classes began with a course in CAM, also known as Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. I’m learning about different methods of healing like acupuncture, yoga, Ayurveda, reiki, acupressure, etc. 

One of our assignments is to choose a CAM practice, and incorporate it into our lifestyle for 4 weeks. After much contemplation, I chose to go with Tai Chi. To be honest, I chose it because I thought I could easily do it at home since I’ve been seeing senior citizens practicing it at the local park for years. So how hard could it be?

Honestly? The hardest thing about it is doing it consistently. But that’s a me thing. The pattern I tend to fall into is that I get excited about something new in the beginning, then half way through I’m bored. (Good thing I didn’t study to become a surgeon!)

Now that the assignment deadline is approaching, I’m getting motivated again! 😀 This is actually part of my coaching study, learning what motivates people. In my case, it’s getting good grades!

There’s plenty of YouTube videos, so it’s easy to find something that works for my schedule and beginner level. No excuses! From this process here’s what I’ve learned about doing Tai Chi:

  1. I need to slow down, this isn’t Zumba! Believe it or not, that’s really hard for me. I seem to thrive off of intensity, so this is a new practice to accomplish.
  2. It takes as much mental fitness and physical because the movements are so slow and deliberate.
  3. I was really surprised at how much of a workout it was for my arms. Some of the movements, like the single whip, require me to keep my arm held up in the air, and it’s actually quite a workout!
  4. It’s a good exercise before bed. The old logic is that you shouldn’t exercise before bed because it will elevate your heart rate and make it harder to go to sleep. But the meditative qualities of Tai Chi actually put me in a more relaxed state at bedtime. So I can literally do this practice in the morning and at night!

So in conclusion, I’m glad I took the opportunity to try Tai Chi. It’s something I definitely plan to incorporate into my self-care routine. Feel free to share your experience too if you’ve ever tried it!

Take care. ❤️

4 thoughts on “Self-Care Sunday – Tai Chi”

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  3. Hey Deb, I’ve never tried this practice myself but I can see what you mean about it being quite a bit of a work-out. I wouldn’t call myself a yogi by any stretch, but I do enjoy a yoga class in the mall whenever it’s offered for free and so I can totally see myself enjoying tai chi in the park too! Glad you have enjoyed this new venture and hope you keep with it as long as it makes you happy! 🙂

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