Feeling foggy-brained today? Can’t seem to get your “genius cap” on and your brain working at full capacity? A cup of coffee or tea not doing the trick? Qigong or Tai Chi might be just the solution you need.

We all face decisions every single day, and some days it’s easier than others to think clearly and make brilliant choices. Hopefully, you’ve had a good night’s rest, are well-hydrated, and have eaten enough to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Without these basic needs met – rest, water, and food – clear thinking can be a real challenge. When you’re too tired, thirsty, or hungry, practicing Qigong won’t be easy, pleasant, or have the desired effect of increasing your health. In those depleted states, you’d be better off hydrating, resting, and eating, rather than exercising, to avoid depleting yourself even further.

However, there are plenty of times when we are fed, rested, and hydrated, and should be operating at 100% capacity. Sadly, we all know that some days are just harder than others, and our energy levels or attitudes can be low. If your energy is lagging, it’s difficult to maintain an upbeat attitude. Conversely, when you’re brimming with energy, it’s much easier to have a positive outlook.

One of the culprits behind foggy thinking and low energy is our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Humans are creatures of movement, not trees or rocks. We all need to move our bodies regularly, and most of us could benefit from increasing our daily activity levels. When we don’t move enough, many of our bodily processes that require movement start to stagnate. This means the fluids that should be circulating throughout our bodies aren’t doing so as efficiently. If you don’t move enough, your blood won’t circulate as fully as it would with more activity. And when your blood circulation is robust, every part of your body, including your brain, gets plenty of fresh oxygen and nutrients. Good circulation also helps cleanse your body, as waste products from cellular metabolism are carried away and eliminated. Without adequate blood flow, your cells – including those in your brain and nervous system – aren’t receiving the oxygen and nourishment they need, and aren’t being properly cleansed.

This is where Qigong comes to the rescue. Qigong helps increase blood flow to every part of your body, including your brain. When you practice Qigong, you’ll be learning and mastering the art of deep breathing, coordinating your breath with your movements. By mastering deep breathing and learning to deeply relax your body, including your rib cage, you can enhance airflow into your lungs and increase the amount of oxygen you absorb and deliver to your body. Staying relaxed and knowing how to open your body, joints, and muscles, while using proper posture and expansive movements, facilitates the circulation of your deeply oxygenated blood throughout your system.

The effect of good Qigong practice is akin to a form of “blood doping” – a performance-enhancing technique used by elite athletes (and banned due to its potency). Blood doping briefly increases the body’s energy-carrying capacity, providing an enormous boost. With consistent Qigong practice, you can achieve a similar effect, super-oxygenating and nourishing your blood.

The name “Qigong” means “skill in energy” or “skill in cultivating Qi.” This skill comes through practice – practicing Qigong over time to acquire the technique and transform your body and being. Learning to breathe well and work with your breath in Qigong is a powerful way to improve your health. The more you practice, the more skilled you’ll become, and the stronger, more easily generated, and more clearly felt the effects of each practice session will be.

When your Qigong skills are well-developed, you can give yourself a rapid, massive energy boost and turbocharge your vitality. Plus, the benefits of each practice session will last longer and longer.

So the next time you reach for that second cup of coffee, consider replacing it with a Qigong session instead. You’ll be glad you did!