TaiChi: Effect on Stress and Anxiety

Tai Chi provides a simple, accessible, and effective way to exercise the body and mind. The series of slow movements performed with intense focus while breathing deeply calms the sympathetic nervous system, which guides the fight or flight response. Activities which support the health of the body can also support mental health via the mind-body connection. Physical exercise provides many benefits, but Tai Chi in particular offers a plethora of both physical and mental acumens, which include improved self-esteem and confidence, a more positive outlook, reduced stress and depression, along with an improved general sense of well-being. It also allows practitioners to learn to focus their attention, and this ability helps many ease tendencies towards worry or anxiety. Exercise in general results in improvements in symptoms of anxiety disorder, with decreases in panic attacks and other symptoms. Tai Chi's meditative element may lend further support for symptom relief. Data analysis of various studies indicates that meditation is an effective therapy for people with anxiety disorders. Tai Chi causes change in the brain, which builds cognitive functions and keeps the brain young. Human beings experience a loss in gray matter as they age. Gray matter is the conductor of brain activity. It carries the electrical signals of our thoughts to different sections of the brain. Tai Chi practitioners can build gray matter by up to 40% with extended and consistent practice. Tai Chi also increases cortical wall density, which is associated with decreased cognitive decline, faster decision-making, improved ability to focus, and better memory. Tai Chi also builds neuroplasticity that helps the brain build new connections based on daily experiences and reorganize current connections. As you learn and perform Tai Chi, you exercise your mental muscles and build attention, memory skills, and proprioception, which strengthen your ability to manage daily stressors. Instead of worrying about past, present, or future outcomes, Tai Chi practitioners are better able to move on to the next thought and address stressful situations in a forward-thinking fashion. Tai Chi is especially beneficial for older adults and seniors who find other forms of physical activity challenging. The slow-motion, low-impact, and meditative nature of the practice allows them to access multiple benefits without having to set aside time to exercise and additional time to meditate. So they experience health gains, stress relief, and decrease anxiety with one activity. The combined physical and mental benefits of practicing Tai Chi, along with its effectiveness, make it a popular alternative therapy with people of all ages. Consistent practice, 2 to 3 times per week, is the key to successfully using Tai Chi to combat stress, depression, and anxiety. Try it today!