May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we’re celebrating with a little history and a few fun ideas of how you can honor this special month!

So what cultures fall under Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)? The term covers a huge and diverse range of cultures. In fact, there are more than 50 countries within Asia and the Pacific Islands and an abundance of ethnicities within those borders. In the United States alone, there are approximately 22.6 million Asian Americans and 1.6 million Pacific Islanders, according to 2018’s census data.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month goes all the way back to 1978, when the U.S. declared a 10-day observance of the groups. The dates May 1 through 10 were chosen in honor of two milestones: May 7, 1843, the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States, and May 10, 1869, the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which Chinese workers were instrumental in building. Fourteen years later, it became the month-long celebration that we now know and love.

One great way to honor this month is by researching and appreciating Asian and Pacific Islander traditions like the daily health routine of tai chi. The ancient Chinese practice is as beneficial for your mental health as it is for your body. Best of all, it’s easy to learn, valuable for all age groups and can be done just about anywhere with no special clothing or equipment needed. Composed of gentle and methodical movements, tai chi is a low-impact exercise that focuses on a series of seamless movements and stretches that keep the body in constant motion.

Tai chi has been proven to decrease anxiety and depression, while improving balance, muscle strength and stamina. Additionally, there’s evidence that it may also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and improve the symptoms of congestive heart failure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Getting started can be as simple as streaming how-to videos, but learning from an experienced instructor is the best way to ensure that you’re doing the movements properly and not risking injury.

Although studies show mixed results on the benefits of green tea, we know that it’s a good source for antioxidants and its fluoride content is really something to smile about. It’s also suggested that it may be beneficial in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, green tea is often used in topicals to soothe skin conditions, such as acne and minor sunburns.

The AAPI community is the fastest growing population in the United States, with a 46% increase from 2000 to 2010 and another 10% from 2010 to 2013.