LANSING — Michigan State University Extension will offer the Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Learning Tai Chi for Better Balance and Sleep program as a great way to start out the New Year. The free virtual program will run from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays starting Jan. 6 through Feb. 26.

This series combines Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and the Sleep Education for Everyone programs. Tai chi has been shown to increase strength, improve balance and posture, reduce stress, increase relaxation and prevent falls. Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention is led by a certified instructor. Modifications will be provided for those who want to attend seated or standing. This program is targeted to help older adults and older adults with disabilities at risk for falls stay active. Participants will also learn techniques to improve the quality and quantity of their sleep. They will cover the relationship between pain and sleep, sleep basics, sleep hygiene, stimulus control therapy, mindfulness, physical activity and sleep myths. Participants will be given a sleep challenge to try so they can track the effectiveness of changing sleep behaviors.

Sessions include —

— Tai chi warm-ups.

— Tai chi lesson: One or two movements per lesson, progressively leading to completing six basic core movements and six advanced extension movements.

— Tai chi cool downs.

— Sleep education: The relationship between pain and sleep, sleep hygiene, and techniques to improve sleep.

— Goal-setting and check-in.

The program is free, thanks to a grant from the Rural Health and Safety Education program. To join, connect with Anita Carter at 906-360-9732 or carte356@msu.edu or register through this link: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2025healthylifestyle/.