Stress Free Stretching

by Stephanie Oakes

One of the many reasons we should all include exercise in our daily lives is because it helps to reduce stress. Undue stress can cause headaches, sleep difficulties and worsen existing health conditions, However, a lot of stress can be combated with a few simple stretches.

Try doing daily stretches, and remember to consciously relax into each stretch, always stop if the stretches cause any pain, and don't bounce into these or any stretches.

As with any new exercise program, talk to your doctor before implementing it.

Here's a basic stretching routine that can be done every day ... and it only takes a few minutes.

Shoulder stretch: While sitting up straight in a chair, link your fingers together behind your head and gently pull your elbows back so that they are level with your linked fingers.

Mid-back stretch: While sitting well back, in a sturdy chair, with your feet flat on the floor, lean forward until your torso touches your thighs and your arms fall next to your lower leg.

Low back stretch: Lie down on your back and pull your knees, one at a time, up toward your chest and hold with your hand behind your knee.

Hamstring stretch: Sit on the floor and lean forward, stretching your hands toward your toes. Stop if/when it becomes uncomfortable.

*Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds each.
*Also try these stretches as part of your warm-up and cool-down sessions after your more vigorous exercise/sports activities.

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