This is my favourite post in this series of self help tips for your mental health and wellbeing. It calms me instantly.
I have been practising tai chi and qi gong for the last few years and I have found it to be hugely beneficial to my physical and mental health. I have attended classes and done it at home to varying degrees.
The breathing alone is great for anxiety, which is a common symptom of the menopause as well as types of mental illness.
Whilst practising qi gong, you will become so focused on the movements and breathing, that all negative energy and thoughts leave you, if only for the time of exercising.
I really can’t recommend it enough and find that I notice the difference in my wellbeing if I don’t do it for a couple of days.
Do consider going to a local class as it will get you out of the house and you will also be taught how to do it properly. But if that’s not for you or you don’t have it in you to commit that level of effort, have a look at some of the video links that I’ve posted below.
I know that everything can be an effort when you’re ill but all these are just a few minutes long and achievable for every level of fitness or dedication. Try a different one each day or use a combination of several.
You might also like to subscribe to my YouTube channel to see my playlists of more suggested exercise routines and various relaxation techniques.
Here are some of my favourite videos of various tai chi and qi gong routines that I feel are a good start for improving your mental health, wellbeing and/or menopause. You can access them by clicking on the title links after reading.
Qi Gong – 7 Minutes of Magic (For Health) – This is my favourite quickie and perfect to refocus your mind to a calmer state. Lee Holden has a channel with some great longer routines too.
8 Simple Movement Qi Gong for Clearing Negative Energy – Although not a professional quality video, these are great breathing exercises that are quick and easy to learn and really do calm you. Cherry was my instructor and has many more videos online.
Qi Gong Therapy for Neck, Upper Back and Shoulders – Chances are if you are depressed or anxious you will carry tension in these areas. These are simple stretching exercises that can be done sitting or standing anywhere throughout the day.
Tai Chi Silk Reeling – I love the many formats of silk reeling and instantly get in a calm zone when practising, particularly with this hypnotic music. Watch the whole routine from 7.22 then go back and learn step by step. Some of it is in spoken Chinese with English subtitles.
Tai Chi Qi Gong Joint Loosening Exercises – If you can commit a little more time this is a great set of daily exercises to loosen up the whole body. If mental illness is leaving you inactive this will at least relieve some of the aches and pains that you will get from sitting around.
I hope you’ll give one or some of these a go. Use them as a starting point and check out some of the hundreds of others on YouTube if these ones aren’t for you. Stick with it and let me know how you get on.
Have you ever tried tai chi or qi gong?
Or do you have another form of gentle exercise that you find helps with your mental health, wellbeing or menopause?
Please let me know if these help or if you’ve got any links that you want to recommend to others suffering from mental illness.
SELF HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH TIPS
1. SELF HELP FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
2. THE FULL STORY OF MY MENTAL ILLNESS
11. MEDITATION, HYPNOSIS & RELAXATION
12. ADVICE FOR CARERS & FRIENDS
MORE ABOUT TEA & CAKE FOR THE SOUL
SEE PART 1 FOR LINKS TO PROFESSIONAL & CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
Tea & Cake For The Soul 
I’ve not tried this at all. I tend to use meditation apps for my mental health. #blogtober
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I’m a bit of a technophobe when it comes to apps but I do use guided meditation cos and videos on You Tube.
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I haven’t tried Tai Chi but I used to practice yoga regularly. I got out of the habit and I am finding it so difficult to get back into regular practice. I really enjoy doing it and I definitely feel better but life keeps getting in the way!
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I totally understand what you’re saying and I’m guilty of it myself but when we make a conscious effort to exercise it teally can improve your mental health and wellbeing, as well as your physical health it’s getting back into that routine isn’t It!
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Oh I exercise — I was 4-5 times a week. I just miss the flexibility, strenght, and peace fo mind I got when I was practicing yoga. I really am going to be this started soon. LOL
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These are great! I’ve saved some to watch when I’m alone. The Qi gong for neck and shoulders looks like something I really need to do…and I can do it sitting down, yay! Thanks so much for sharing.
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Yes qi gong has many movements suitable for sitting and lying down. You can also do meditative qi gong which really helped me when I had a panic attack on a plane one time.
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I have heard of Tai Chi but didn’t know much about it. It sounds like a wonderful thing to do to relax x
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Yes tai chi and qi gong are both effective ways to relax and improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Do try out some of the videos to see how you feel with it.
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I have always wanted to try Tai Chi and I think it is something I could handle!
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Yes do give it a go and let me know how you get on.
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Great read! Going to have to check out silk reeling!
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Thank you. Silk Reeling is wonderful. As you naturally have to concentrate to do it, it frees your mind of any worries and tensions.
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Interesting, I should give it a go! I’ve never tried either, but I used to live in Hong Kong, and every morning old folks would gather in groups to practice it together, and it was very comforting to see!
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I hope you do and find it enjoyable. Let me know how you get on with it. Even when I’m short of time or away I like to do the 7 minute one.
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