4 Benefits of Stretching During the Day
Improve Your Flexibility and Balance by Stretching
by J.M. Troppello
Stretching should be an important part of your day. You need to stretch before and after strenuous cardio exercises. Stretching and unwinding at the end of the day can help you relax before going to sleep. It’s important to stretch daily. Now, this may be a bit difficult for people who work in an office setting. However, even minimal stretching at your desk can help you.
According to a Harvard Medical School article published in Harvard Health Publishing, stretching daily is extremely important because of the following reasons:
“Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”
If you don’t want to be at risk for muscle damage, strains, and joint pain, consider the following benefits of stretching each day—and why you should include it in your daily routine.
1. Posture
You can stretch your muscles to relieve stress and aches in your shoulders, chest, and lower back. Stretching can help to improve your posture so you can sit better during the workday. I use the FitOn app for my regular workouts. This app also provides 5-minute stretching exercises (to do at your desk) which you can do during your daily stretching time.
2. Tension
Sitting in one position for a long time can tense your muscles. When you have tension in your muscles that can result in a lack of nutrients and oxygen circulating properly. Take the time to stretch your muscles each day to relieve that tension.
3. Mindset
Taking a break to stretch can help reset your mindset. It’s best to change your location and get outside to breathe in the fresh air and take a walk. However, if you’re at the office or stuck inside and need to refocus, take a few minutes to stretch out your muscles and joints. With a refreshed mindset, you can improve your productivity level for the rest of the day.
4. Balance
Flexibility and balance are two important factors in improving your mobility in the joints and muscles. Stretching daily can help you to enhance your flexibility and balance. When you’re flexible and have good core strength and balance, that can increase your stability when walking and running. That means less probability of falling.
Stretch Each Day
The next time you’re in the office or stuck at home and feel the tension in your muscles and joints, or simply need to refocus your mindset, remember the following benefits of stretching. Then get moving for a bit!
Posture
Tension
Mindset
Balance
Do you stretch during the day while you’re at work or go for walks?
Article syndicated by Inspiration Realm on Medium.com.
About the Author
J.M. Troppello is an author, writer, and poet. She is the publisher of the online Christian lifestyle magazine, Mustard Seed Sentinel.
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