Stretch For Better Physical and Mental Health

When is the last time you stretched? I mean really, really stretched? I know we often wake up in the morning and throw our hands above our heads and stretch to help wake us from our tired state. However, what I am talking about here is taking the time to stretch while being mindful about the stretch. I guess what I'm really asking is when is the last time you sat on the floor and tried to reach your toes? For me it had been a long time and I was really surprised at how stiff my body had become over the years, yikes!

Most people believe that stretching is only for people who exercise on a regular basis, at least that is what I thought. I thought stretching was used as a before or after exercise warm-up/cool-down to keep the body loose so that injury could be avoided. However, there are reasons that a person who doesn't exercise on a daily basis NEEDS to stretch on a daily basis. Let me tell you a few reasons why stretching is vital to your overall health.
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1. The more you stretch, the easier blood and other nutrients can make it to your muscles. This helps them stay healthy, loose, and improves flexibility to help avoid strains or soft tissue injuries.
2. Stretching can relieve stress! That's right, just 10 to 15 minutes of stretching a day can ease muscle tension and relieve stress.
3. Stretching can improve your posture and your bodies ability to move fluently without pain.

If you are inclined, there are always beginner yoga classes near you or online that can teach you the basics when it comes to stretching. It's not a difficult class and can actually be more relaxing than strenuous. I really have enjoyed doing 30 Days of Yoga with Adriene. This is a slow paced class for beginners that can be done in the comfort of your home, any time you have free time to spend. Some classes are 30 minutes, others are as short as 15 minutes. I guarantee you will appreciate the simplicity of her teaching and the ease of her classes.

Another option is to find a few simple stretches that you feel comfortable with, online, and try them out for yourself. If you are not an active person, try starting with stretches that can be done while sitting on a chair or lying down to avoid hurting yourself. Start slow with 3 minutes of stretching for one week and start adding a minute each week if you are a beginner. Never push yourself past the point of being comfortable and always seek a doctors advice before doing anything you are not familiar with. Take your time and remember, stretching should be fun and it's perfectly ok to laugh at yourself. You will be amazed at how good it makes you feel!

Now get out there and stretch then enjoy the smile that it brings to your face and to your soul!

Tina

Picture Reference: Body Hacks