Low-impact, stress reducing exercises such as tai chi and yoga are great ways to activate the relaxation response. Stress relief is an important part of our daily and weekly routine. Here are some suggestions for beginning with both tai chi and yoga.
- Have patience. There is no reason to focus on an end goal with either of these practices, but rather focus on your breath and movement or position within the current moment.
- Be open to different styles and instructors. Both yoga and tai chi have various styles of teaching. Do not give up after only one try because the style or instructor wasn’t a good fit. Try multiple different courses, studios and styles before giving up.
- Physical movements are least important. The art of tai chi and yoga focus less on your physical movements, and more on how you develop your practice over time.
- Breathing techniques are important. Over time you will learn to develop your breathing techniques in order to maximize the stress relieving benefits of both practices.
Do you practice any kind of moving meditation, or do you prefer to sit in stillness while meditating? What are your tips for beginning a tai chi or yoga practice? Share with me in the comments below!