In our modern lives, there are many causes of stress. Gratefully, there are also plenty of ways to help alleviate this stress – from lavender to reading a book.
But did you know that stretching your muscles can also relieve stress?
Stress builds up, sometimes without us even being fully aware, and this tension can end up in our muscles. Stretching can be an effective way of alleviating this stress, lengthening the muscle and removing the tension.
Additionally, stretching has many other benefits, such as…
- Improving circulation
- Improving range of motion
- Improving posture
- Decreasing joint stiffness
- Decreasing muscle tension
- Improving performance
- Improving your ability to relax
You can do a stretching routine in as little as ten minutes. Though, it’s best to perform a warm-up to get your blood pumping and muscles warm. This can include a brisk walk, walking in place, doing jumping jacks, or any mild workout you’re comfortable with that can increase heart rate.
Before we get into specific stretches, let’s go over some good stretching practices.
Tips for proper stretching
When stretching, you don’t want to overdo it or put yourself in an awkward position where you’re actually risking injury. For a safer and more effective stretching routine, follow these tips:
Balance stretching – be sure to stretch the muscles on both sides of your body, evenly. If you stretch one leg, be sure to do the same stretches to the same muscles in the opposite leg.
Avoid overstretching – you want to stretch to the point that you feel a pull, but you don’t want to feel pain or discomfort.
Go slow – always stretch slowly and evenly, even when releasing the stretch.
Don’t bounce or jerk – while stretching, keep things smooth and slow.
Don’t forget to breathe – sometimes you may find yourself holding your breath during a stretch. Be mindful about deep, easy breaths.
Types of stretches
Now that you’re aware of the benefits stretching can have, and you now know the best practices when it comes to stretching, let’s look at some stretches that can help you lower stress levels and relax!
Get your blood flowing with a warm-up, then try out these stretches, holding each for 15-30 seconds.
Ear to shoulder neck stretch:
- Tilt your head
- Bring your right ear to your right shoulder until you feel a stretch
- Using your left hand, apply slight pressure
- You will feel the stretch along the left side of your neck
- Repeat, but on the left side
Rotation stretch:
- Sit up straight
- With your spine in a neutral, relaxed position, rotate your head to the right, gazing over your right shoulder
- Repeat on left side
Shoulder stretch:
- Relax your shoulders
- Cross your right arm over your chest
- Cradle it with your left hand and apply slight pressure
Upper back stretch:
- Find a chair with arms to sit in
- Cross your arms in front of you and grab the chair’s arms (if you can’t reach, hold onto the bottom of the seat)
- While grasping, lean back, keeping your spine in alignment, until you feel a slight stretch
Lower back stretch:
- While standing and keeping your back straight, bend from your hips and reach toward the floor
- Aim to touch your toes
- If you can’t reach, rest your hands on your ankles or shins
Other stretches
The above stretches can help reduce the pressure and stress within your neck, shoulders, and back. But they’re certainly not the only types of stretches you can be doing.
Your legs, arms, and torso all have muscles that could be gaining tension. See which stretches work best for you and add them into your routine!
Stress relief
If you’re stretching more, your muscles may become slightly sore at first.
Not only can SomaLeaf’s Liposomal CBD Turmeric RELIEF alleviate this discomfort in your muscles, it can reduce the stress in your mind as well.
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