Got Tension? Get Stretched!

Get Stretched to relax and release any tension hold ups.

Take a quick second and lift your arms high above your head. That felt pretty good, right?

For most of us, feeling at least some stress at some point during the day is probably inevitable — whether it’s thanks to too many emails in your inbox, too many appointments on your calendar, too many at-home chores to keep up with, or a problem you have to deal with, like a clogged sink or an illness or injury.

And what ultimately helps us keep stress under control isn’t necessarily eliminating all of those potential stressors that might come up (because that’s probably not possible); it’s a matter of having the right tools and skills to manage it so it doesn’t overwhelm you. Stretching is just one of several tools you can use to manage stress.

Restriction in range of motion caused by tight, stiff muscles not only negatively affects how you move when exercising and when going about everyday activities but it also negatively affects how you feel physically and mentally.

Stretching is an accessible way to unwind and de-stress during or after a busy day. Stretching and movement provide proper circulation, increase oxygen, and release tension in your muscles.

Increasing circulation relaxes muscles, sending mood-elevating blood flow to the brain. A higher oxygen level (a result of breathing deeply through stretches) slows your heart rate and blood pressure. And finally, letting go of the physical tension of a stretch sends the message to your brain to relax.