Anxiety and Depression

Another thing that might be worth trying, if you’re living in Taiwan, is the martial art of taijiquan (太极拳) or informally just “tai chi”. It’s reported to have beneficial health effects, and it requires body awareness, relaxation, and coordinated breathing, in combination with flowing yin/yang motions. It can lead to better posture, better sitting and walking, better breathing, and so forth, all of which I think help one to relax and help reduce stress.

At least in Taipei, I saw several morning group practice sessions in the park (in 228 park, as I discussed in another thread), and I would guess that other areas in Taiwan also should have plenty of opportunities for either free park practice or a paid class.

It’s also a group activity with a very long history and very deep connection to Chinese culture, which is good for providing opportunities to interact with other people and, again, to hopefully reduce stress.

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