There is probably only one thing you didn’t know you needed to be doing every day because you’re just smart like that… Okay I know we’re smart, but we don’t know and probably aren’t doing a lot of things we should be doing. We’ll work on it. But, I’m here to tell you about one thing you need to be doing every day, and that’s stretching. It really doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, and you don’t have to make it a big deal, but you definitely should be doing it. It’ll improve your quality of life not only in the long run, but right now! And don’t we just love a quick fix.
Outside of needing to warm up and cool down the body before and after physical activity (working out, jogging, walking, etc.), one thing you need to be doing every day is stretching because it provides many benefits for the body and mind.
1. Increases Flexibility
Everyday movements and motions are easier due to the increased range of motion one will have from stretching daily. Increased flexibility leads to decreased injury. It can also delay the onset of conditions that cause limited mobility and the natural process of limited mobility that comes with aging. I am sure you’ve noticed how someolder adults move more swiftly than others. Less aches and pains, as well as less recovery time are also a benefit of stretching daily.
2. Reduces/Relieves Stress
Stress can be reduced through the relaxation of the muscles and mind from stretching. In fact, the proper way to stretch is to breathe through the motions, which allows you to get deeper into the stretch. Deep breathing calms the mind and allows for better flow of oxygen to the organs of the body. This brings me to the next reason of why stretching is one thing you need to be doing every day.
3. Improves Blood Flow & Circulation
Stretching improves blood circulation and increases blood flow to muscles and organs, including your brain. So yes, it can help you think better. Stretching relaxes the system, allowing blood to circulate. Check out this article to see more benefits related to the increased blood flow from stretching.
Stretching can be easily added to your day by making it an addition to your morning or evening routine. —> Click here to check out a basic stretch I do every morning that you can do too! <— You could probably benefit from adding it to both. It doesn’t have to be long and drawn out, but each stretch should be held long enough to breathe into them. I would say at least about three deep breaths. I have a dance background, so I use eight counts and hold my stretches for two eight counts. —> Click here to check out what a basic stretch turns into when you add a little music. <—I try to keep my morning stretches very brief because it’s always a thin line for me. Stretching can go either way. It can either loosen me up or make me want to go to sleep. This is because some stretches are yoga poses, as they go hand in hand, and actually prepare the body for rest. If adding them to your evening routine, you may benefit from holding them a little longer since we just learned that it relieves stress. It would definitely help relieve some of that tension after those long, stressful days at work. Now, keep in mind that holding a stretch longer does not mean forcing yourself deeper into the pose. Remember to not overdo it. It’s supposed to be relaxing not painful. Now if you’re stretching the body to achieve a certain level of flexibility or to prepare for athletic activity, that’s a different story. Even then, it’s a process of progression.
Hopefully, the reasons listed above have proven why stretching is one thing you need to be doing every day. We don’t typically like to think about ourselves in old age, but we can be aware that we want a good quality of life as we grow older in age. Plus, the term “quality of life” deals with life period. So, it actually dealswith our lives right now, and we want the best mobility and to be without aches and pains right now. Let adding stretching to your daily routine increase your LUXE life!
And remember…
If you enjoyed this health & wellness post, be sure to check out a few others that fall under this category to improve your health going into the new year:
- 8 Benefits of Sea Moss & How to Add it to Your Lifestyle
- Tips for Better Sleep at Night: A Part of a Healthy Lifestyle
- How to Safely Celebrate the Holidays: Holiday Gatherings During the Pandemic, Yay or Nay?
Latest posts by Dalin (see all)
- 3 Things to do to Close Out the Year 2022 - December 21, 2022
- Becoming Her: How to Become THAT Girl - December 15, 2021
- 3 Things to do to Close Out the Year - November 26, 2021
