You may find it hard to believe stretching can relieve stress, but you’d be surprised.
A good stretch can make all the difference when you’re feeling freaked out and overwhelmed. It’s science!
What does stretching accomplish when you’re stressed?
Stretching can:
- Increase serotonin levels
- Increase endorphin levels
- Reduce adrenaline and cortisol levels
- Release muscle tension
- Relieve pain
- Help you get grounded in your body again
- Provide you with a much-needed “reset”
Which stretches will provide the most benefits, the fastest?
Focus on stretches that target your neck and shoulder areas, or which can be done discreetly wherever you are.
Examples include the desk stretches we covered in Workday Stretches to Wake You Up and Stretches for Migraine Headaches. Neck rolls, ear-to-shoulder stretches, shoulder rolls, and seated twists are all great options.
If you’re at home, you can add deeper stretches such as Child’s Pose or Butterfly Stretches.
Best Practices When Stretching for Stress
Breathe. Take slow, deep breaths as you execute each stretch. Deep breaths give your body oxygen and tell your lizard brain that you’re not in danger.
Go slow. This is you-time. If you take five minutes all to yourself, it won’t be the end of the world.
If possible, stretch in a quiet, private, semi-darkened room. Work to calm and relax your mind. It might help to incorporate some basic meditation techniques as you stretch. You don’t even have to focus on a mental picture or chant mantras. You can just focus on your stretching. If you notice your thoughts wandering, gently bring them back to the stretches you are trying to perform.
Of course, if you suffer from severe, chronic, ongoing stress, you may need a bit more help than some at-home neck rolls can provide. That’s where we come in: with deep, guided stretches that help you attain a range of motion you couldn’t attain on your own. We help you in a private, comfortable, quiet room so you can relax and unwind.
Ready to get started? Book an appointment today.
REACH’s 2 STEP APPROACH TO RECOVERY THERAPY
RELAX – RESTORE – RECHARGE
Step 1: Identify Your Problem Areas
- It all starts with your Mobility Risk Factor Assessment called
. - This helps us identify the root cause of your current problem areas due to:
– Life’s Daily Wear & Tear
– Your Aches/Pain
– Muscle Imbalances & Weakness
– Flexibility/Mobility Limitations
– Posture Issues - A Mobility Risk Factor Assessment is a MUST before starting any Stretch & Recovery Therapy Program.
Step 2: Targeted Recovery Therapy
- Your Mobility Risk Factor Assessment helps us create a Personalized Recovery Therapy Plan that targets your problem areas which will Shorten your Recovery Time.
- Each of our Stretch & Recovery sessions are a balanced blend of Corrective Stretch, Percussion, Compression, CBD and Heat
Vibration Therapy. - Risk Factor Re-Assessments:
– Suggested every 30-60 days
– See your improvements
– Realize the benefits of Stretch & Recovery
Therapy
