A body in motion wants to stay in motion. A body at rest seeks more rest.

 

 

Stretching is so natural and automatic from the time we wake up in the morning and after a long period of being stationary. This simple healthy habit surely pay off.

 

While there are many health benefits to regular exercise whether it’s gardening, walking or hiking, incorporating daily stretching in our lives is vital. Whether it’s for your regular workout or just alone it is beneficial and important for our overall well being.

 

 

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.

 

 

 

FOR THE BODY

The most obvious benefits of stretching is to promote more flexibility with a wide range of movement safely. The less we stretch or the less we move our bodies, we are likely to fall in that trap of muscle strains and soft tissue injuries especially as we age. Having an increase of flexibility will promote moving with more ease, improved balance and coordination.

Stretching also causes correct posture by lengthening tighter muscles that pull areas of the body away from certain positions. Being able to stretch those muscles of the lower back, chest and shoulder area can better align and improve your posture.

This simple benefit may help with preventing injuries due to providing more blood flow to the muscles which, in turn, better circulation throughout your body. This helps to reduce muscle soreness and helpful in a quick recovery from muscle and joint injuries. Research has shown a reduction in cholesterol when performing prolonged workouts like yoga in your body.

 

FOR THE MIND

When you experience chronic stress your muscles tend to contract and become tense. This tension can spread throughout every body part. Stretching and exercising can alleviate tensions quickly. A natural mood enhancer minus the side affects of medications. Just allowing yourself 20 minutes of mindful stretching a day can calm the mind and rejuvenate the soul in the process. It encourages those good feel chemicals of endorphins with promoting tranquility and euphoria. You may want to think about stretching more before going to bed for a comfortable sleeping experience.

 

TIPS FOR STRETCHING

Important to do this the right way in order to gain the benefits of this simple healthy habit of stretching. Most suggest to hold the stretch at the first sensation of resistance, then breathe your way through it. Always modify, adapt, and adjust the stretch to suit your personal needs. You may use padding for your knees, or try the same stretch in a different position like standing or sitting. Imagine and feel the tissues become more supple over time. It takes regular practice and always be mindful in how you feel.

 

 

It’s important to change your thinking from “I am so tight” to ” This is what my body needed” and “Becoming more flexible every time I do this”.

 

 

 

So, go ahead and stretch to nourish your mind, body and soul for overall well being.

 

 

 

 

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