Stretch
Stretching is one of those things that you (I) know makes you (me) feel better, but it’s so hard to remember to do! At least for me. And I should, theoretically, know better!
It’s always a good time to stretch
Of course, there’s the obvious stretch before/after a workout or physical exercise (or giving a massage), but there are some other times where stretching may benefit you physically and mentally. Stretching when you get up in the morning helps you get your blood circulating and loosens up those movable parts that have stiffened up overnight. Stretching before bed can help prevent leg cramps and other muscle spasms. It can also relieve the tension that may cause headaches, neck pain, and injuries from “sleeping wrong”.
Don’t be a cheese curl
Stretching during the workday is especially important for those who spend a lot of time at a computer. Take time to look up at the ceiling, lean back in your chair to stretch your neck and pecs to help prevent “tech neck”, tension headaches, and upper back pain. Check out something called the Pomodoro Technique – breaking your workday into 25-minute blocks with 5-minute breaks in between. After four or so, you take a longer break of 15-20 minutes. Use the short breaks to get up, walk around, and stretch your neck and shoulders. You can even find apps that do the timing for you.
“Motion is Lotion”, so get started today keeping all of your moving parts stretched and moving well to reduce pain and increase your mobility!