There are so many benefits to stretching, and they’re not all physical.
Here are some of the major physical AND mental health benefits of stretching:
It improves flexibility
Yes this is a physical benefit on the surface but improved flexibility makes pulled or stiff muscles less of a threat thus decreasing opportunities for pain both physical and mental. Think about it: how do you feel when you are not able to do the things you want to do because of a pulled muscle? Not good for the most part and for some it can create depressed feelings. Stretching releases endorphins which make you feel good so get out there and get those daily stretches in.
It creates better alignment
When the body gets out of alignment, it can cause challenges with balance, metabolism and visual acuity. As a Chiropractic Assistant Technician (TechCA) I cannot stress this enough! Stretching along with aligning the spine will cause an overall benefit far greater than just manual alignments alone. At our office our YouTube channel is full of stretches done by the doctor to help with alignment. It works!!
It reduces stress
Stress causes muscle tension. For exercise this is what we want, for everything else; not so much. Taking the time to stretch is calming to both the mind and body, literally. No it will not decrease the workload coming across your desk or at you on the salesfloor but it will make it abit easier to get through overall physically and mentally.
It improves posture Another major component of serving chiropractic patients and fitness participants/clients for me is constant education on posture. Good posture can dramatically improve certain aspects of our physical health, and bad posture can be highly destructive. Without properly stretching, posture suffers, and that can have deep ramifications on our mental health. Some studies have even shown that bad posture can deepen depression.
*Please consult your physician to identify your personal limitations before putting a stretching regimen into place.
Interested in a fitness/wellness consultation, have some questions about your current fitness program in relation to your goals or would like to join any of my groups online (Facebook)?
Recently certified as a LifeStretch Instructor with the Stretch to Win Institute, please feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have:).