The Mental Health Benefits of Movement, Even During Lockdown
This pandemic has stopped us from getting out of the house as we usually would. Whether you’re now working from home or isolating yourself completely, having to spend more time indoors has meant that we are not moving our bodies as much as we’ve been previously used to.
Not only can this have a negative impact on our physical health, it can also have a negative effect on our mental health too.
Here at Taiji, we believe it is super important for us to take time each day to move our bodies. Whether you take part in a gentle Tai Chi or Qigong class, or take yourself out for a lunchtime walk, with a little bit of exercise here and there, you’ll help those endorphins to release and make their way around your body. This will help to boost your mood and brighten your spirits, which is certainly needed during lockdown more than ever.
Getting Out and About
Despite our being locked down for the third time since the pandemic hit, we are currently allowed to take walks or go for runs in our local area.
The weather might still be cold, but wrapping up warm and getting out for a lunchtime walk can work wonders for blowing away the cobwebs, getting some fresh air and leaving the house, if only for a short time.
Whether you walk to the supermarket instead of drive, or do an extra lap of the park one day – however you choose to, make the most of your daily walk.
If you’re isolating and don’t feel comfortable taking walks, why not spend some time working out in the garden? No matter how intense you make your exercise, we guarantee you will feel great afterwards.
Taking a Break from Working at Home
It is important that even though you are working from home that you are ensuring to take regular breaks. Taking time away from the screen and proper breaks is incredibly important for mental wellness, and getting out in the winter sun to increase your step-count will only help to boost your mood.
If you’ve found yourself sitting in the same position for 8 hours a day on dining room furniture that is not ergonomically designed like an office chair, you should take regular breaks to stretch and move.
Tai Chi and Qigong can work to improve joint pain, posture, coordination and balance, as well as helping to reduce stress and relieve anxiety which many of us are dealing with as a result of the pandemic and working from home.
Spending Time Focusing on You
It is important that throughout the madness of the pandemic that you spend time for relaxation. Perhaps you’re juggling a full-time job with home schooling, or you have an elderly relative to shop for in addition to your household. We have been thrown a number of challenges over the last year, but taking time to focus on yourself and your own needs is crucial for mental wellness.
Tai Chi and Qigong classes have links to increased mindfulness and can help improve your quality of relaxation time.
The gentle movements associated with the practice not only provides you with the exercise needed to ensure you’re looking after your physical health, but also the designated time you’ve set aside to focus on your self and your mind.
Whether you practice Tai Chi and Qigong, or any other gentle movement exercise in the morning before your day, or in the evening to wind down, you’ll feel great after spending that small amount of time for you and you alone.
Want to Try Tai Chi or Qigong? Get in Touch
We are currently holding our Tai Chi and Qigong classes online via Zoom as the COVID-19 situation continues.
To find out more about the course, please get in touch today. You can call 020-8883 3308, or 07836-710281, or send an email to taijiandqigong@gmail.com.