Exercise, take a walk and talk to a few people, if possible. Don't watch the news.

I wholeheartedly agree with watching the news minimally.

We just need the important updates

Brandon,

I agree. We cannot allow ourselves to be totally bombarded with frightening stories. We must take control of what we can do to protect ourselves Covid and other infections and to keep as well and calm as possible.

I started taking tai chi from an excellent tai chi instructor in late 2018. At that particular time, I was feeling tired all the time, partly because of some physical issues but also emotionally dragged down by a toxic relationship. After the first class, even though I had no idea what I was doing, I felt an energy and lightness that had eluded me for several months. Most of this I have to credit to this instructor who emphasized posture, breathing and sending chi (life energy) through the body. Unfortunately, with closures of gyms with the pandemic, I was unable to take tai chi lessons from 3/20 until 5/21 when my instructor was able to resume teaching at the local Y. The weekly lesson along with some recently added zoom classes with my instructor's mentor are an important part of my routine. If you can find a good instructor, please consider adding tai chi to your exercise regime. There are some good videos I can recommend if locating a good instructor and/or attending in-person classes are not doable.

Rose,

Thank you for your post. I tried Tai Chi years ago but couldn’t really get into the slow movements. I would love to try it again- please do post the online videos you mentioned. I have read so much about the great benefits of Tai Chi. Thank you! Kati

Look for the Tai Chi for Beginners video by Dr. Paul Lam on YouTube. What you need to remember is that although tai chi was developed as a martial art, there are not the explosive movements that one generally associated with karate, tae kwan do, etc. And although it is slow, that actually requires more strength and control to achieve the proper form. If you like the Beginners video, take a look at the Tai Chi for Arthritis YouTube video. The tai chi for arthritis (aka Sun style 41) was the first one I learned and if you want to take in-person classes, there's a way to find certified tai chi instructors through Dr. Lam's Tai Chi for Health Institute. However, you can also purchase the DVDs of the tai chi for arthritis and others on Amazon or through his institute.

Let me know if you like it. There are people who can learn with the DVDs but I found it so much easier to take in-person classes and practice with the DVDs. It would help a lot if you can find an instructor who teaches and corrects (rather the old style of "follow me"). Lastly, in-person classes will work best in a mirrored exercise room so you can learn to correct your own form.

And maybe if you don't think of this as "exercise" but as moving meditation, that might help.

Yes, thinking of it as moving meditation will help. I plan to enlist in a class after the winter flu/ pandemic calms down. I am much better in an in person class than to do a video on my own. However, I will attempt to follow the you tube suggestions that you have made. Thank you

Rosie,

Thank you for your positive and encouraging words. Looking forward to seeing the videos soon.

Rose,

Thank you again for your words and inspiration. The positive side of doing tai chi at home is that no one can see if you loose your balance....lol. The suggestion of having a chair to lean on is great. We are never too old to try new things. :

Oh, please, make sure to have a sturdy chair nearby for support if you have balance or leg strength issues and you can sit and concentrate on the arm/hand movements if your legs tire.

I want to share that two months ago, a woman using a walker started attending the beginner tai chi class at the Y. Initially, her young adult daughter stayed outside but subsequently she was allowed to stay in the room and help her mother during the class. Adaptations have been made for her -- she sits while doing the arm and hand movements and tries, with her daughter's physical assistance, the leg and foot movements. She seems to enjoy the classes and hasn't missed coming. Other instructors have conducted classes at nursing homes, senior centers, etc. where many participants remain seated throughout. Do what you can at your own pace.