Loving Tai Chi

An ancient Chinese exercise, Tai Chi has been credited with many health benefits and is particularly calming on the brain. 

- Julia braybrook

Exercise has long been praised for its benefits for mental health, though for many of us smashing out a full-on workout can be a challenge, especially if you’re not at your fittest, find it hard to keep up as you age, or if you’ve been struggling with your mental health already. Whatever the situation, if you’re more inclined to gentler workouts then tai chi can see you reaping the rewards of exercise on the brain.

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that uses slow, meditative exercises that are designed for relaxation, balance and health. The practice is often referred to as a ‘moving meditation’ as the slow, graceful movements can be used as a means to provide a relaxed focus for the mind – particularly beneficial for those suffering depression or anxiety.

One study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine saw researchers from Tufts Medical Centre in the US review more than 40 studies on the practice, which found that practising tai chi was associated with reduced stress, anxiety, depression and mood disturbances, and also increased the self-esteem of participants.