| Feature Article Breaking the Cycle of Stress
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Our bodies are a product of nature and are subject to its
many laws. Just as nature changes, so our bodies also undergo many changes.
In the morning, most people are fresh and active, ready to
deal with the daily chores. We usually work best in the morning, when our minds are fresh
and when we have greater energy. By lunch time, we need to replenish our energy with food
and prepare for the afternoon. If we have been busy all morning, especially performing a
repetitive task, e.g. typing, we may begin to experience certain levels of fatigue. Some
of the symptoms are stiff or sore shoulders and arms, cold feet due to lack of
circulation, aching back, tired eyes or blurred vision, or headaches. These are all
indicators of the build up of physical and mental fatigue. If we do not interrupt this
pattern of stress build-up, we may do damage to ourselves. Of course, we can all manage
this kind of activity for a certain period of time, but health problems will arise in the
long term.
The right type of exercise will strengthen the weak areas of
your body, that is, your joints and sinews. Strengthening the body in this way will help
to prevent injuries, especially overuse injuries, and will speed up the recovery of
existing injuries.
The Tai Chi warm up exercises are designed
to accomplish this task.
If you are able to take just a short break, 5 minutes of the warm up
exercises will help ease
fatigue and tension. Depending on your circumstances, you
may choose to practise the Qigong in a sitting position or a simple
movement, such as Rolling the
Ball. Repeat this movement for
5 minutes. This will have the effect of clearing and relaxing the mind
which will also help the muscles and internal organs to relax. If you
have a little more time, maybe at lunchtime, you might do a 15 minute
session. This will help to refresh and energise your mind and body.
Daily exercise is important if the benefits are to be long
lasting. This is the way to strengthen your body, calm your mind and balance your
emotions. If you do not break the cycle of stress on a daily basis, stress will
accumulate, leading to more serious health problems later. Once you have a severe injury
or are hospitalised, recovery can be a very slow process. It is imperative to discipline
yourself and exercise everyday. "A pinch of prevention is worth a pound of
cure." It is better to take this enjoyable, preventative medicine now than the bitter
pills afterwards. Be aware of becoming complacent and of thinking that "this
won’t happen to me".
Some forms of exercise are more suitable for the body than
others. According to traditional Chinese medicine, any exercise that trains the joints and
sinews, strengthens the internal organs, promotes the circulation of blood and chi
(internal energy), calms the mind and regulates the nervous system to function at its
optimum level, is most appropriate and beneficial for the mind and body. In other words,
the most effective exercise reflects a holistic approach towards health and fitness. Of
course, Tai Chi fits the bill perfectly. Traditional Chinese medical practitioners often
strongly advise their patients to practise Tai Chi to improve and maintain their health.
In the short term, you may not be aware of all the benefits.
However, in time, with regular practice, you will come to realise the profound effect of
Tai Chi on your physical, mental and emotional well-being. I hope you heed this advice and
begin to follow it before ill health besets you.
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