Entrepreneurs know how important staying fit and healthy is so they can reach their full potential in business. This explains why engaging in daily physical activity has become an important part of their lives. Keeping up with a full work schedule causes stress and hitting the gym or running serves as a positive outlet.
We’ve all heard about the benefits of popular workouts like running, HIIT, and CrossFit. But today, let’s get to know an ancient exercise that’s over 3,000 years old which we don’t talk about: Qigong.
What is Qigong and why should you care about this practice? How does this make you a better entrepreneur?
A background on Qigong
Pronounced as Chee-Gong, Qigong is an exercise that’s martial, medical, and spiritual. It strengthens your mind and spirit.
This ancient practice has been known to benefit people with cancer, diabetes, stress, and other conditions. Qi means “life force” and Gong means “diligent exercise.”
The main reason behind Qigong’s power to improve every aspect of your life is that its focus in internal. The practice develops your body’s energy system through its relaxed, rhythmic breathing and body movements so that every part of you gets restored.
Unlike typical exercise, Qigong doesn’t push your body to sweat. Instead, it relaxes your body so it releases stress. According to the Chinese, muscular contraction prevents the flow of chi (life force or energy).
Qigong…
- is a mind-body exercise.
- is a meditation practice.
- is a relaxing physical activity.
- overcomes your resistance to physical exercise.
- gives energy instead of expending it.
What are the benefits of Qigong?
Mindfulness
Because Qigong involves slow, controlled, and graceful movements and breathing, it helps you bring intention into everything you do in your business to meet your goals.
Oftentimes, we live our lives by default. It’s important to think of the reasons behind what we do so that our actions are in line with what we want to have in the future.
So whether you’re writing a blog post or building your email list, it’s important to be purposeful in the process. Mindfulness brought about by Qigong can also help you push through hurdles as an entrepreneur.
Health
Your erratic schedule can cause stress, making you prone to getting ill. Qigong allows you to self-heal. The process by which it heals your body cannot be easily explained by science.
However, the different poses and breathing techniques you perform in Qigong enhances the flow of blood to your brain and body organs thereby improving their function.
Sure, other exercises can improve your blood flow but not without releasing cortisol, your stress hormone. Qigong brings you wellness while being in a totally relaxed state.
Focus and comfort
Are you easily distracted while sitting in your home office for hours? You can’t sit still. Your mind wanders. The noise around you derails your focus.
Qigong is being taught to monks so they can sit cross-legged for long periods of time without falling asleep and being drawn to outside distractions.
It has been found out that this ancient practice benefits sedentary people. When done regularly, it can improve your focus even if you’re working on your computer the entire day.
Stamina
In order to meet the daily physical, mental, and emotional demands of your business, you need stamina.
Are you able to sustain your energy throughout the day or do you struggle to stay enthusiastic the moment you’re faced with a stressful situation?
Martial artists during the ancient times practice Qigong to improve their grit and endurance. Qigong’s purposeful movements clear out blockage of inner energy. Your brain awakens and you become more proactive at anything.
Conclusion
Though Qigong is more popularly practiced among older people, it can be the best exercise for entrepreneurs who want to reach their full potential. There’s no sense in putting your health at stake. Without it, you won’t be able to scale your business.
