Stay Positive!

by Debra Schumacher

'Tis the season of good cheer –
   or is it? Oftentimes it can also be a season of feeling overwhelmed and lonely. Mental health is important year-round, but when we're surrounded (and often bombarded) with real or fancied images and stories of happiness and joy, and what’s required to achieve them, this time of year can be especially difficult. Here are some ways doing taiji helps improve mental health, now and year-long:

1. Focus (concentration), intention and mindfulness":
   Taiji movements are felt internally and expressed externally. This is the true power of taiji as a mind-body exercise as it creates physical and mental harmony. To keep the flow, taiji Form takes concentration, clearing the mind and being in the present. By eliminating the mind’s chatter, taiji gives a break from everyday stresses, leaving worries, troubles and to-do lists behind. Taiji is a mindful approach to movement and this mindfulness passes over into everyday life. It slows us down and allowing insight as to ‘why are we darting about?’ or ‘what are we stressing about?’ It teaches us to think clearly, calmly and let go of what we can’t control. It gives us the opportunity to find inner peace, live in the present and helps us cope with life.

2. Body awareness, posture and alignment
   Taiji also brings an awareness to posture and alignment. We learn to ground ourselves by sinking our weight and rooting through the floor, connecting to Earth qi (energy). This gives a sense of stability, strength and balance. Concurrently, we stretch the spine and lift the crown, connecting to Heaven qi and bringing a feeling of clarity, calm and lightness. All this helps build a strong body, developing inner strength and power, and making us feel centered and balanced -- great for our mind-set.

3. Breathing
   The relationship between mind, body and breath is what makes taiji such an effective way to relax; crucial to our mental health. Deep, slow breathing increases oxygen exchange, stimulates the lymphatic system, slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure and calms the adrenal (stress) glands. Thus, becoming conscious of our breath improves our mood.

4. Relaxation, song the joints
   The body holds onto stress in tight, tense muscles, leading to fatigue. A taiji principle is to relax and open joints and muscles, eliminating tension and stress. This is a good relaxation technique to develop. As our body learns to relax, so does the mind.

5. Slow pace, fluid movements Slowing down relaxes the body, releasing stress and tension. As the physical body unwinds, so does the mind. Practicing taiji gives us an important time out from overwhelming emotions and thoughts. Stress which causes worry and anxiety, can make life feel out of control. As we practice taiji, we become aware of our body – how, why, and where it’s moving. This gives a feeling of order and calmness, both in the body and the mind.

6. Community and social contact
   Taiji is not about whether we learn a move faster or execute a stance better, it is all about our own journey of personal growth and development. Building relationships with caring class members allows us to feel part of a non-competitive, friendly, supportive community and gives a sense of belonging. Social contact is great for our mental health.

Taiji may not solve all our mental health issues but it can be a very effective tool for self-care management. It delivers a plethora of benefits to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and boosts mental health.