Want Quick and Easy Stress Relief? Try Stretching!

If you’re like most of us, you’re living a high-intensity life with little time for pure relaxation. As much as we could use vacations, odds are none of us will be relaxing on a beach front in Tahiti anytime soon.

So how are we supposed to handle our accumulated stress without spending a ton of money on therapy or adding another entry to our already-full planners? One simple and free way is to start a stretching program.

You probably know that stretching helps to warm up muscles before a workout, helps to prevent injury when done before a workout, and increases flexibility. Stretching is also an excellent way to relieve tension, increase your range of motion, and improve circulation.

To gain the maximum benefit from any stretching program, you must be patient. It takes time to lengthen those muscles and loosen up joints, but remember — you can set your own schedule. Choose a time when you won’t feel pressured to move on to the next item on your list, and give your full attention to the task at hand.

Bear in mind that your progress should be measured by quality not quantity. It doesn’t matter if you do only two or three stretches this week. Do them properly, do them better than you did last week, and you’ve improved!

Here are a few things to keep in mind while stretching:

1. Enter your stretches slowly. There should be a slight pull with each stretch, but certainly not a painful pull. Pushing yourself too far can cause tiny tears in your muscle fiber. Listen to what your body is telling you.
2. Don’t bounce! Move gently into each position and hold for 10-20 seconds. Move out of the position as slowly and gently as you entered it.
3. Relax into the stretch. Take your time and get comfortable with it. If you feel no pain, take a deep breath then exhale and let your body move deeper into the stretch.
4. Focus on the muscle you’re stretching. Pay attention to the feel of the move, and to the way your body responds. Pay attention to form. Be aware of the stretch, of the effect it has on the muscle/s you are stretching, and on your entire body. Think about what you are doing at that moment.

That’s all there is to it! It’s up to you to decide how many and what sort of stretches you do, and how often you do them. (Most experts recommend three times a week.)

Be aware that every body is different. You may find that you are more flexible in the evenings or afternoons than in the morning, but this will not be true for everyone. And your own body may surprise you by being more cooperative one afternoon but not the next.

Note: Even light stretching may cause injury if you have a pre-existing condition. It is always best to check with your physician before engaging in a new physical activity.