HealthyLife Articles

Tag: flow

Nurture Your Creativity

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Creative outlets are one enjoyable way to manage stress. In fact, people who engage in creative pursuits may be less likely to feel stress, anxiety, or depression.

If you need a healthy way to reduce stress, get creative! Here are some tips to tap into your creative side.

Get into nature

Time spent outside has many benefits, from calming anxiety to helping you feel more inspired and creative.

Read more

Books are a simple way to explore new ideas and spark your imagination. It’s no coincidence that many of the most creative people are also avid readers.

Get 8 hours of sleep

It’s hard to be creative when your brain is tired. If you need a creativity boost, try going to bed a little earlier.

Make time to be alone

If you spend all your time busy and surrounded by people, it can leave you feeling drained. Find some peace and quiet to chill out.

Create something

Pick a crafting medium and make whatever comes to mind. Focus on the process and enjoy being creative.

Learn something new

Take up a new hobby, meet someone new, travel, or explore. Anything that introduces new ideas and skills can enhance creativity.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Try Tai Chi For Stress Relief

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Tai chi and qi gong are mind-body practices. They have been used for thousands of years. Tai chi is one type of qi gong, but they’re not the same. Both focus on the energy of the body, traditionally called “qi” (pronounced “chee”), by using special breathing and movements.

What are tai chi and qi gong?

Both practices are low-impact exercises. You work through a series of poses that are designed to help energy flow through your body. And you can adapt them to work for you. Don’t stretch yourself to the limit. These poses shouldn’t hurt.

You don’t need special equipment or athletic ability to start tai chi or qi gong. You can take a class or use videos to learn. The American Tai Chi and Qigong Association has recommendations.

Relaxation power

Tai chi and qi gong can help you relax. They are a healthy way to lower stress. Studies have shown that these practices can:

* Lower symptoms of depression

* Decrease negative thoughts

* Lower stress levels

* Boost brain function

Better sleep

By using gentle exercise, healthy breathing and deep relaxation, tai chi helps people sleep better. Some evidence shows that tai chi improves sleep quality in healthy people as well as those with chronic diseases.

Wellness in spirit and soul

When you practice tai chi, you work on graceful, flowing movements that move through the body. Over time, tai chi feels like a flow that combines your body, mind and spirit. This can help you feel more connected to your spiritual health.

Less stress about health

Tai chi and qi gong can boost your health, help you feel energetic and strong. If you do them regularly, it can improve your balance and flexibility, which can reduce your risk of falling and getting hurt. They may even help with chronic pain. Ask your doctor if tai chi or qi gong would help you.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Strike A Pose

Stress Management

Relax your body and mind with yoga.

You don’t have to be like Gumby or Stretch Armstrong to benefit from yoga. This mind-body practice uses physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation to relax the body and mind and ease the spirit.

Health benefits of yoga:

Growing evidence shows that yoga may be an effective exercise for improving a variety of health-related problems, such as low back pain, stress, depression, and high blood pressure. Research also indicates that it may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and relieve symptoms of asthma and arthritis.

Find your own balance.

There are many varieties of yoga which began about 5,000 years ago in ancient India. Nearly all styles are rooted in hatha yoga, which focuses on developing control of the body through asanas or poses. Some styles focus on holding the posture or flow of movement. Others hone in on breathing techniques. No style is better than another. Find a teacher you like and a style that’ll help you reach your personal goals. If you have a medical condition, talk with your doctor before you start. Know your limitations and ask questions of your instructor about the physical demands of certain styles.

Ten benefits of yoga:

1. Get a better sense of well-being.

2. Reduce stress.

3. Lower heart rate and blood pressure.

4. Increase your lung capacity.

5. Relax your muscles.

6. Increase muscle strength.

7. Increase flexibility.

8. Have a taller posture.

9. Sleep better.

10. Increase overall physical fitness.

Action Step

Learn the basic yoga postures in your own home using instructions online or in a book. Once you gain confidence, take a class where a professional instructor will make sure you are doing the postures correctly.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Yoga

Healthylife® Weigh

Part 5

Yoga is excellent for improving flexibility, relaxation, and stress reduction. Find a good instructor who can modify yoga to suit your individual needs. Develop your skills slowly. You can also find free yoga resources online or at your library. Watch YouTube videos or DVDs for demonstrations of movements.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026