Easy stretches for stress relief. We’ve been talking a lot about simplifying your life and celebrating yourself. I do recognize, however, that however much we try to keep stress level to a minimum it does have a way creeping up and it’s not easy to make it just go away. We can eat all the best foods and exercise our butts off, but sometimes it’s easier to just stick our heads under the covers and try to wish the world away.
Rather than doing that, as tempting as it might be, try taking the time to stretch first. Why stretch? Well, it’s simply because when we get anxious, our muscles tend to tense up and then it’s much harder to relax in general.
EASY STRETCHES FOR STRESS RELIEF
Shoulder & Neck. Sitting up straight on a chair or on the edge of your bed, plant your feet on the floor. Gently tilt your head to one side and press the opposite hand away from you. Hold for 10 seconds. Then clasp your hands behind your head and very gently press your chin down toward your chest. In order to target the back of your neck, it’s important to keep your spine as straight as possible.
Standing Forward Bend. Standing with your feet hip distance apart (without locking your knees), keep your weight ever so slightly forward as you roll down. Focus on relaxing your body and even let it casually swing from side to side. This is a great stretch because not only will you release your back, but your hamstrings and calves as well. Hold for 10-15 seconds, repeat as necessary.
Hip Stretch. Lying on your stomach, keeping your legs about hip distance apart, place your hands beneath your shoulders and press down as you lift your head and chest up to the ceiling. You should feel a stretch through your chest and through the front of your hips. Pull in your stomach muscles in so that you don’t put too much pressure on your lower back. Hold for 15-20 seconds.
Child’s Pose. This is a nice follow-up to the hip stretch. Simply press your body back so that you are sitting on your heels with your head on your knees. Breathe deeply and hold for 30 seconds.
Legs Up The Wall. Lying on your back with your glutes against the wall, stretch your legs up to the ceiling. Frankly, this just feels good and helps to relieve tight leg muscles. If you feel any tingling in you legs, bend or even hug your knees to your chest. Hold for 3 minutes.
Back Lying Straddle. (Part two of legs up the wall) Lying on your back, lift your legs to the ceiling and let them fall open to the sides. You can press down on them with your hands for an even deeper stretch or just let them go. Hold for 20 seconds.
Since stress can decrease blood flow and create knots in your muscles, it’s important to stretch regularly and not just after exercising. Not only that, but since blood carries oxygen, improved circulation also means a better mood and less physical pain.
If you are embarking on a regular stretching routine, please take a moment to read, STRETCHING MISTAKES YOU MIGHT BE MAKING, just to make sure that you are staying safe and keeping injuries at bay.
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