No matter what time of year it is, every season comes with its fair share of stressors for everyone. When we’re stressed and extra busy on top of it, we tend to forget about one very important thing: our self-care.

One small thing we all probably benefit from is implementing a stretching routine.

Stretching requires little effort and you can do it without any equipment, anywhere. The simple act of stretching your body can help improve how you feel physically and mentally.

Physically stretching helps keep your muscles working at optimal level by helping you stay flexible and having a full range of motion in your muscles and joints.

For example, if you sit at a desk all day, your hamstrings are spending a lot of time in a shortened position and become tight. This can cause your movements to be restricted and even painful.

After sitting for long periods of time, you may find it slightly difficult to fully straighten your legs and feel a pulling sensation around your knees as your muscles resist the movement.

Tight muscles can also lead to numbness and nerve pain caused by muscle tissue compressing nerve pathways.

Pain and stiffness aren’t the only things you are at risk for without proper movement. With your muscles restricted, trying to use them to their full potential puts you at higher risk for injury.

Mentally stretching gives you the time to pause and meditate as your focus goes only to intentional breathing and elongating shortened muscles.

It has been shown to produce an increase in the “feel-good hormone,” serotonin. Serotonin helps to stabilize your mood and reduces stress, which can help decrease depression and anxiety. You can’t go wrong with better, safer movement and a proven stress reducer.

Stretching is so easy to do daily.

We need to stop thinking of stretching as just for runners and athletes, and understand that it’s good for everyone. It will give you the greatest benefit to your mental and physical well being when done daily and not just at the gym before a workout.

Good luck with your 60-day plan for a healthier you. If you are looking for help on how to stretch safely, our team is here to guide you. Our physical therapists, massage therapists and fitness coaches are all excellent sources for helping you develop a safe stretch routine. Ask your Thrive professional today!

Thriving Magazine • Men’s Health Issue

Most of us have, at least, a vague idea of what we need to do to live healthy lives. We may also have the best intentions to take action to make ourselves healthier. Unfortunately, we may not be successful because many of us, though ambitious, set ourselves up for failure. This edition of Thriving Magazine is all about men’s health and wellness, and how making small changes to your every-day routines can greatly influence your overall health.

Articles are written by our experts in Lifestyle Medicine, physical therapy, fitness training, chiropractic care, nutrition, massage, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and energy healing.

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