How often do you stretch?
Before a workout? After a workout? Before bed? When you wake up? What about NEVER?
Let’s be real, most of us don’t stretch! We did in PE and in high school sports, but we just don’t prioritize it anymore. But think about it, your coaches and PE teachers would have had a reason for kicking off the day or a practice with 15 minutes of stretching, right?!
Right. Because stretching is SO important – most of us just neglect it.
The truth is, overall, stretching will make you feel great. It’s good for your body, your mental health, and your overall wellness.
Here are 5 reasons you should add stretching to your everyday routine:
Stretching makes you more flexible
Say so long to reduced mobility! When you stretch, you strengthen and lengthen your muscles, which helps you perform essential everyday activities with ease.
When you call on your muscles (like when you bend over to tie your shoe), they will be ready for use, and won’t cause you any pain or discomfort.
Stretching increases blood flow
Stretching can improve your circulation! It increases blood flow to your muscles, which ultimately shortens your recovery time. It also reduces overall muscle soreness, and provides relief.
Stretching is great for relieving stress
When you’re stressed out, your muscles are likely just as tense as you are. Why? Because muscles tighten up in response to both physical and emotional stress.
When stretching to reduce stress, focus on areas where your body tends to hold that stress. This often includes the shoulders, neck, and upper back.
Stretching can calm your mind
Yoga and meditation are two forms of stretching that are focused on calming and clearing your mind. Not only does your body benefit from the strengthening and lengthening, but your mental state benefits, too!
Focus on mindfulness, and give your mind the mental break it deserves.
Stretching improves your overall posture
Sore muscles and muscle imbalances lead to bad posture! You search for comfort while sitting and standing, which often includes slouching – especially if you’re dealing with any back pain or inflammation.
If you focus on strengthening your back muscles, you won’t need to worry about slouching to find a comfortable seating position; you’ll be able to sit and stand strong and comfortably.
As you can see, stretching has the potential to improve your mental and physical health. Try to find a time of day, every day, that you can take for yourself. Focus on moving your body, and listen to where it needs some extra help from you.
You deserve some self-care, so start with stretching, and see how great it makes you feel!
