Learning a Tai Chi sequence can take more than a year, and perfecting it can take a lifetime, depending on the length of the form. One of the things that drew me to Tai Chi was the idea that there's always room for improvement, making it a lifelong journey. I practice the Yang Tai Chi short form, which takes me around twelve minutes to complete. However, not everyone has the time or dedication to devote to Tai Chi practice. Our fast-paced environment means many people prefer to relax and de-stress by watching TV. For those individuals, I recommend trying Qigong. Qigong, commonly referred to as Chi Kung or Chi Gung, involves cultivating life energy. It can be a great way to experience many of the same health benefits as Tai Chi Chuan. Many Qigong exercises are short and relatively easy to learn.
For a more in-depth definition of Qigong, visit Wikipedia.
Take a look at the video below which shows a short Qigong exercise routine that can easily be performed each morning or at any time of the day.
During our Tai Chi classes, we begin by warming up with Qigong exercises. Many students feel an immediate benefit from them. I think this is because the movements are simple and easy to perform, and people don't feel overwhelmed.
I'm a believer in daily exercise. I feel doing anything is better than doing nothing. So, even if you only have time for one Qigong exercise, it can still positively impact your life. "Just do something."