Live Whole Health #173: Slow down! You move too fast

Sometimes I get this song by Simon and Garfunkel stuck in my head when I am racing around, moving too fast, trying to multi-task.

“Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy.”

It makes me smile and I even laugh at myself. As if anything I am doing at any moment is truly that important!

Do you ever feel that life is moving too fast and that you can’t keep up? That you’re missing the simple joys of the day because you’re so focused on getting things done?

Tai Chi is a practice that can help you slow down. The gentle, mindful flow of Tai Chi helps connect body and mind and keep you in the present moment.

Enjoy this 20-minute practice led by Roger Currier, a recreation therapist and Tai Chi instructor from the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, FL. He demonstrates a 7-posture Tai Chi series. Make sure you have enough space to move around comfortably while watching the video.

If you want more Tai Chi, click here for Currier’s introduction and warm-up videos.

Tai Chi and Qigong are generally safe exercises, though some people may experience minor muscle aches and pains from using muscles that haven’t been exercised for a while. Therefore, it’s important to listen to and care for your body when doing these movements. If you feel Tai Chi or Qigong will help you achieve your health care goals, set aside time to practice. As with any activity, regular practice is what allows for better health.

Tai Chi is one of the evidence-based complementary and integrative health approaches covered under VHA Directive 1137: Provision of Complementary and Integrative Health. If you’re interested in learning more about the required Complementary and Integrative Health services and other services that may be available at your facility, contact your local VA and ask for the Whole Health Point of Contact.