Learn more about the benefits plus how to safely add stretching to your daily routine. Stretching, he said, “can help you keep better posture and alignment in your spine. To reduce muscle soreness and tightness, you need to focus on the tighter and sorer muscles first. A lot of adults struggle with stress-related conditions that could be debilitating, such as: Unfortunately, if you don’t manage your stress properly, it could lead to other more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, severe anxiety, depression, obesity, and diabetes. The older we get the stiffer the joints become over time which in turn can sometimes lead to all kinds of mental states. When this occurs, the endorphins also make you feel more positive. As muscles begin to work, the body recognizes the need for more blood to be pumped to those muscles. When you stretch, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. Hormones are delivered throughout your body to help regulate metabolism and insulin as well as your attitude. This is because the body and the mind are both intertwined together. When practiced regularly in the morning, afternoon or evening, there are so many mental, emotional, and physical benefits of yoga. It is recommended to do some light physical activity to get the heart rate going, then stretch while the body is warm. Afterward, you can stretch before you proceed with a more intense workout. The psychological benefits of stretching revolve around blood flow, the delivery of nutrients, and removal of toxins from the brain and hormone-producing organs such as the liver. © 2004-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) One of the easiest stretches can be done while sitting down. The mental benefits of stretching are so important to the overall health of not only the body but the mind. Most people understand the benefits of exercise and its relation to the… You don’t have to spend a great deal of time stretching. Stretching is the one activity that can deepen the impact of your workout, improve the quality of your sleep and increase blood circulation — all at the same time! Embracing The Benefits of Yoga in The Morning. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, … If you're not always able to squeeze in your recommended 150 minutes a week, here's where stretching can help. Stretching comes in many forms including yoga, dynamic stretching (best done before exercise), static stretching (best done following exercise), foam rolling, and more. You will become more flexible, and perhaps the most surprising benefit is how you can heal your heart and mind. And yet, so many people do not stretch regularly. Required fields are marked *. Endorphins are substances that engage with the brain’s receptors to lessen feelings of pain. If you feel any pain when stretching, it’s important to ease up on the affected muscle to prevent damaging it even more. Some have proposed this type of exercise affects the central nervous system to produce positive mental health benefits. In fact, muscles take over the body at this point, overriding blood being sent to other organs, such as kidneys and stomach. If you want to feel calmer and more peaceful, stretching is the answer. You can take 10 minutes out of your daily routine to stretch. We don’t need to suddenly run away from a tiger while working in a cubicle, but it does wake the body up and make us feel better. Keep the following suggestions in mind when you stretch. As a separate practice, stretching can be something that helps you sleep better and increases your blood circulation. Stretching has a number of physical and mental benefits for anyone. Any type of stretching, such as yoga, can help you relieve stress and make you feel better mentally and physically. WeightWise Bariatric Program But be careful not to overdo it. One of the most common stretching practices is to gently stretch before going to sleep. Of course, it’s also recommended before you hit the gym, go for a run, or any other physical activity. Additionally, you should emphasize the major muscle tendons in your body including your: If you’re stretching your back, we recommend buying a piece of equipment called a back stretcher or inversion table for lumbar traction. Regular stretching can relieve both physical and mental stress while improving our quality of life. Stretching/Flexibility Activities Let’s take a closer look at stretching to understand why it can be so beneficial for your mental well-being: Do you want to improve your mental outlook and get some exercise at the same time? Endorphins also create a positive physical and mental feeling in the body when released. While, as you can see, stretching can be extremely beneficial for both your mental and physical health, it’s critical that you understand the right technique to avoid injuring yourself. This article may include references and links to products and services from one or more of our advertisers. But you can achieve the most benefits by stretching regularly, at least two to three times a week. Stretching benefits your body and your mind Releases hormones for mood and emotions. Instead, make sure you hold each stretch for around 15 seconds to one minute during three or four sets. 1. So what are these benefits and why is stretching so important? You might only consider stretching to be solely part of yoga. Stretching is a fun and engaging physical activity. This improves your focus and brain function. Vegetarians Gastric Sleeve: What You Need to Know. If this occurs, you will have difficulty with mobility, as a tear can cause scarring. Still, we instinctively stretch after waking up or if we’ve been sitting too long. How Stretching Can Benefit Your Mental Health & Well-Being, Where To Buy Used Barbells and Dumbbells Online, 11 Benefits of Mindfulness in the Workplace. Pulled or strained muscles can keep you out of action for a day or two and even weeks at a time. Reaching for the sky and exhaling at the end of a stretch releases endorphins, chemicals that help reduce the feelings of pain. Taking some time to reflect on your day and stretching is a good way to clear your mind, and can be compared to meditation. Make sure you follow a regular schedule when you stretch so you can enhance your flexibility and enjoy more fluid movements. Today, in this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 benefits of stretching for you. Plus, you only need to do it about twice a week to realize optimum benefits. It can bring both physical and mental benefits that can literally be life altering. After all, the more you stretch, the more your body and mind will benefit from it. Edmond, OK 73013. Try not to bounce when you stretch, as you can tear and injure your muscles. After bariatric surgery, stretching is one of the first activities that can be done almost immediately. Stretching is good for your mental health, it also relieves tension, reduces stress, and increases blood circulation, even if for a short period of time. Stretching is good for your mental health, it also relieves tension, reduces stress, and increases blood circulation, even if for a short period of time. Your email address will not be published. Stretching near you may seem a very basic exercise, but you’re literally missing on many incredible benefits. Adjust your stretching to how sore you feel and the muscles you are targeting. In addition to the physical ways these exercises can provide benefits, the mental calm also contributes to relaxation. The benefits of stretching come into play in a wide variety of ways. You can better manage your stress by stretching, as the activity releases muscular tension, thereby relieving stress. MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRETCHING Stress causes tension, tension creates tightness, tightness causes poor alignment which leads to injury, injuries are not good to your mental … Stretching, and other various forms of exercise and physical exertion is very useful when it comes to your mental health. Stretching can be a very calming activity that helps relax both the mind and body and prepares the body for a calm sleeping experience. Stretching is very much considered a form of exercise, so just like running, cycling, and walking, it benefits your mental health and is a great stress reliever. Stretching these major muscle groups will give you the most benefits throughout your whole body. For 99 percent of our surgeries, WeightWise uses the laparoscopic method, a series of smaller incisions that allow for faster healing. But in the wild, animals – both predator and prey – need to be able to act on a moment’s notice. These products help you release tension in the right muscles and make stretching much easier than attempting to do it alone. Even though they may go right back to sleep, that stretch works out the muscles, increases blood flow, and generally wakes the body up. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Without warming up first, sudden rigorous physical activity can strain the muscles. We may be paid compensation when you click on links to those products and/or services. Both in the short term and long term. Delivering important nutrients to muscles, the blood also takes away the waste (lactic acid) the muscles create during a workout. I, myself, stretch even when I’m not working out. And it just feels good! Stretching doesn’t only offer mental benefits, but even more physical benefits. Physical benefits aside, though, stretching can also offer a range of benefits for your mental health and frame of mind. Of course, it’s also recommended before you hit the gym, go for a run, or any other physical activity. Stretching improves sleep and eases anxiety Stretching not only helps loosen tight muscles, but it might also offer mental health benefits. There is no impact on ankles and knees, and our breathing goes in and out rhythmically, soothing us, bringing our brain waves to a calm and peaceful state. Click here for COVID-19 and Scheduling Procedures. Mental Benefits of Stretching. Skipping regular stretching means you risk losing the potential benefits. Stretching is both underrated and so … As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Hold for five or ten seconds with controlled breathing. Stretching is a great way to relieve the strain … Stretching and yoga can be antidotes to stress, as they ease and loosen tight muscles and offer a sense of well-being and tranquility. For recipes, store specials, exercise tips and news on the latest WeightWise happenings, subscribe to our e-mail newsletter. The increased level of blood flow will revitalize you so you will also feel more energetic, thereby allowing you to do more activities with less anxiety. Improved mental health is just a happy side effect. Relaxation. Reaching for the sky and exhaling at the end of a stretch releases endorphins, chemicals that help reduce the feelings of pain. How much water after gastric sleeve surgery? It prepares the body if there’s suddenly a “fight or flight” situation. Stretching affects your brain as well as your muscle system. Once you stretch these muscles, you will find that it will be easier to move and the muscle soreness will subside. The benefits of stretching for both your physical and mental self are endless. There are so many benefits of stretching that one can reap when engaging in a consistent routine. Bring movement into your stretching. You’ll be up and walking – and stretching – the same day in most cases. Physical benefits aside, though, stretching can also offer a range of benefits for your mental health and frame of mind. Along with waking up the body, there are mental benefits to stretching that are important. You will be able to move in ways you never thought possible before bariatric surgery. The benefits of stretching extend from head to toe, affecting our mood and energy level as well as our muscle tone. Stretching can help you focus on your body and breathing, not your everyday stress. Especially if you’ve already injured your muscle and attempt to stretch it. Understanding the links between mind and body, stretching can reduce the pressures of co-existing conditions between mental health and chronic physical pain. Our exercise physiologists will outline a plan specifically for your situation. Therefore, warm up by walking or jogging. Get inspired to exercise by reading up on these unexpected ways that working out can benefit mental health, relationships and lead to a healthier and happier life overall. However, this isn’t the case, and it’s important to understand how beneficial stretching can be on its own. That is because stretching gives you a chance to regroup by rejuvenating your circulation. Improve Your Academic Performance By moving your body and increasing your body temperature, you are increasing blood flow and providing more nutrients to your brain. You can accomplish this goal when you stretch your joints and muscles. When it comes to the benefits, one of the most commonly overlooked is the fact that it helps to promote positive mental health. A stretching routine usually involves flexing or stretching muscles to improve elasticity. The more you stretch the more benefits you will gain. Of course, Fido or Felix rarely have to defend themselves from enemies while napping on the couch. While almost any stretch will do, there are yoga and pilates classes designed around this idea. Who would have thought that one simple movement–stretching–could do you so much good? When you stretch, you need to warm up first, as stretching will not otherwise work and can lead to injury. As a separate practice, stretching can be something that helps you sleep better and increases your blood circulation. Stretching involves getting the major muscles groups ready to go, such as the legs, arms, and lower back. And it just feels good! While you won’t be playing full-court basketball in a week or two, your plan is designed to build your muscles, increase your flexibility, and improve your stamina. This will stretch your arms, neck, shoulders, and back. If you've ever wondered why so many people are obsessed with yoga, the stretching side of it is probably why. Dynamic stretches for athletes preparing for competition, or more methodical stretching exercises to prepare the weekend warrior for physical activity. 6) Increased Flexibility Flexibility is perhaps the most obvious benefit to stretching. Moreover, you do not need to pay a lot of money on fitness equipment or spend extra hours at a gym. When it comes to stretching, the routine is everything. Stretched for time. If the muscles aren’t warmed up, they won’t be able to handle the flood of new blood, which could cause them to fail. One of the most impactful benefits of stretching is increased flexibility. Keep up with it for optimal results. Fitter Body If you crave When you stretch, your body produces feel good chemicals, called endorphins. This positive reaction can be compared to the way you feel when you enjoy a movie, spend time with someone you like, or savor your favorite dessert. That’s why we’ve decided to highlight some of the benefits of stretching that will make you feel amazing. Improves Your Mental Health. Blood flow increases and our heart rate does too, without being overly taxed. Stretching the muscles of the lower back, chest and shoulders can help keep the spine in better alignment and improve overall posture by relieving aches and pains. Then slowly lower your arms. Some of the top benefits of stretching include better circulation, improved posture, and even helps […] Racing after a meal, or keep from being that meal, is just a daily fact of life. We all know the benefits of exercise; however, life constraints, disability or injury can sometimes hold us back. 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