Of course, it’s also recommended before you hit the gym, go for a run, or any other physical activity. However, this isn’t the case, and it’s important to understand how beneficial stretching can be on its own. When you stretch, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. 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. You’ll be up and walking – and stretching – the same day in most cases. Any dog or cat owner has seen their beloved pet wake from a nap, stretch their legs out, and let out a big yawn. As a separate practice, stretching can be something that helps you sleep better and increases your blood circulation. Even though they may go right back to sleep, that stretch works out the muscles, increases blood flow, and generally wakes the body up. Stretching can be a very calming activity that helps relax both the mind and body and prepares the body for a calm sleeping experience. That’s why we’ve decided to highlight some of the benefits of stretching that will make you feel amazing. Afterward, you can stretch before you proceed with a more intense workout. So, when stretching, you’re reducing the impact of co-existing conditions between any chronic pain and mental trauma. Reaching for the sky and exhaling at the end of a stretch releases endorphins, chemicals that help reduce the feelings of pain. Once you stretch these muscles, you will find that it will be easier to move and the muscle soreness will subside. 1800 S. Renaissance Blvd. 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. Doing so will dispel some of the myths. 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. © 2004-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) There are a million different types of stretches for every type of ability. Stretching doesn’t only offer mental benefits, but even more physical benefits. Try not to bounce when you stretch, as you can tear and injure your muscles. Skipping regular stretching means you risk losing the potential benefits. Of course, Fido or Felix rarely have to defend themselves from enemies while napping on the couch. The benefits of stretching extend from head to toe, affecting our mood and energy level as well as our muscle tone. We may be paid compensation when you click on links to those products and/or services. As a separate practice, stretching can be something that helps you sleep better and increases your blood circulation. Keep the following suggestions in mind when you stretch. Both in the short term and long term. Your email address will not be published. You can accomplish this goal when you stretch your joints and muscles. Racing after a meal, or keep from being that meal, is just a daily fact of life. by WeightWise | Aug 26, 2020 | Exercise, Tips | 0 comments. The benefits of stretching for both your physical and mental self are endless. When you stretch, you need to warm up first, as stretching will not otherwise work and can lead to injury. You don’t have to spend a great deal of time stretching. 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. One of the most impactful benefits of stretching is increased flexibility. Others suggest that resistance/strength training generates new brain cells, more blood vessels, and increased neurotransmitter output, all of which improves mental functioning. By spending a few minutes a day stretching, you will be able to increase the ways your body can move, especially at the core. Instead, make sure you hold each stretch for around 15 seconds to one minute during three or four sets. There are multiple benefits of stretching for physical and mental health. For instance, if stretching helped you increase your range of motion, your range of motion may decrease again if you stop stretching. In turn, this will improve your posture, balance, and overall well-being. Learn more about the benefits plus how to safely add stretching to your daily routine. Physical benefits aside, though, stretching can also offer a range of benefits for your mental health and frame of mind. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Hormones are delivered throughout your body to help regulate metabolism and insulin as well as your attitude. But you can achieve the most benefits by stretching regularly, at least two to three times a week. In addition to the physical ways these exercises can provide benefits, the mental calm also contributes to relaxation. Benefits of stretching can be categorized into physical benefits and mental benefits . Some have proposed this type of exercise affects the central nervous system to produce positive mental health benefits. 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/Flexibility Activities Regardless of age or fitness level (yup, this includes everyone from mall-walkers to marathoners), studies show that making time for exercise provides some serious mental benefits. But be careful not to overdo it. Fitter Body If you crave Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, … It prepares the body if there’s suddenly a “fight or flight” situation. Make sure you follow a regular schedule when you stretch so you can enhance your flexibility and enjoy more fluid movements. Stretching is a fun and engaging physical activity. While most understand how essential exercise can be to our overall health, not many people are aware of how powerful stretching can be. In fact, muscles take over the body at this point, overriding blood being sent to other organs, such as kidneys and stomach. Stretching near you may seem a very basic exercise, but you’re literally missing on many incredible benefits. 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. When it comes to stretching, the routine is everything. Still, we instinctively stretch after waking up or if we’ve been sitting too long. We all know the benefits of exercise; however, life constraints, disability or injury can sometimes hold us back. If you’re looking to work out more often or simply want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life so you can recharge your mind and body, then stretching is ideal for you! You can better manage your stress by stretching, as the activity releases muscular tension, thereby relieving stress. With reduced pain, there is a reduced desire to hunch or slouch. 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. There are so many benefits to stretching, and they’re not all physical; it can have significant impact on your emotional state as well. This improves your focus and brain function. That is because stretching gives you a chance to regroup by rejuvenating your circulation. Reaching for the sky and exhaling at the end of a stretch releases endorphins, chemicals that help reduce the feelings of pain. Blood flow increases and our heart rate does too, without being overly taxed. Click here for COVID-19 and Scheduling Procedures. Stretching can help improve posture, mobility, and flexibility, and reduce pain and stress. If you're not always able to squeeze in your recommended 150 minutes a week, here's where stretching can help. Hold for five or ten seconds with controlled breathing. Improved mental health is just a happy side effect. 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. These products help you release tension in the right muscles and make stretching much easier than attempting to do it alone. A small 2019 study found that participants with chronic insomnia reported improved sleep and anxiety after stretching three times a week for four months when compared to those who did not stretch or exercise. Required fields are marked *. Active Isolated Stretching. Vegetarians Gastric Sleeve: What You Need to Know. Stretching, and other various forms of exercise and physical exertion is very useful when it comes to your mental health. Physical benefits aside, though, stretching can also offer a range of benefits for your mental health and frame of mind. 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. Stretching, he said, “can help you keep better posture and alignment in your spine. Relaxation. Why stretching is important Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Stretching has a number of physical and mental benefits for anyone. 1. Stretching and yoga can be antidotes to stress, as they ease and loosen tight muscles and offer a sense of well-being and tranquility. The more you stretch the more benefits you will gain. Find out more about the benefits, tips, techniques, safety measures in this post. Stretching affects your brain as well as your muscle system. How Stretching Can Benefit Your Mental Health & Well-Being, Where To Buy Used Barbells and Dumbbells Online, 11 Benefits of Mindfulness in the Workplace. Watch our free online seminar or contact us today to learn more about our program. Stretching improves sleep and eases anxiety Stretching not only helps loosen tight muscles, but it might also offer mental health benefits. When you stretch, your body produces feel good chemicals, called endorphins. Who would have thought that one simple movement–stretching–could do you so much good? 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? 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! The mental benefits of stretching are so important to the overall health of not only the body but the mind. The situation isn’t so dire for humans. It can bring both physical and mental benefits that can literally be life altering. You can take 10 minutes out of your daily routine to stretch. To reduce muscle soreness and tightness, you need to focus on the tighter and sorer muscles first. If you want to feel calmer and more peaceful, stretching is the answer. Pulled or strained muscles can keep you out of action for a day or two and even weeks at a time. Bring movement into your stretching. Delivering important nutrients to muscles, the blood also takes away the waste (lactic acid) the muscles create during a workout. After bariatric surgery, stretching is one of the first activities that can be done almost immediately. There are so many benefits of stretching that one can reap when engaging in a consistent routine. While keeping your hands together, push towards the ceiling, slowly arch your back, and tilt your head back. Regular stretching can relieve both physical and mental stress while improving our quality of life. 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. How much water after gastric sleeve surgery? A stretching routine usually involves flexing or stretching muscles to improve elasticity. After all, the more you stretch, the more your body and mind will benefit from it. Understanding the links between mind and body, stretching can reduce the pressures of co-existing conditions between mental health and chronic physical pain. If you feel any pain when stretching, it’s important to ease up on the affected muscle to prevent damaging it even more. One of the easiest stretches can be done while sitting down. For 99 percent of our surgeries, WeightWise uses the laparoscopic method, a series of smaller incisions that allow for faster healing. 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. Therefore, warm up by walking or jogging. 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. Stretching is a great way to relieve the strain … 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. You will be able to move in ways you never thought possible before bariatric surgery. For recipes, store specials, exercise tips and news on the latest WeightWise happenings, subscribe to our e-mail newsletter. Most people understand the benefits of exercise and its relation to the… If this occurs, you will have difficulty with mobility, as a tear can cause scarring. It’s a proven fact, but stress can have many adverse effects on our health, even without realizing it. Our exercise physiologists will outline a plan specifically for your situation. While almost any stretch will do, there are yoga and pilates classes designed around this idea. The relaxation aspect of stretching and yoga may also contribute to pain reduction. This is because the body and the mind are both intertwined together. It is recommended to do some light physical activity to get the heart rate going, then stretch while the body is warm. Also, stretching will release endorphins that are mentally stimulating and help to fight the symptoms of stress and depression. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You might only consider stretching to be solely part of yoga. Improper stretching can actually do more harm than not stretching at all. Mental Benefits of Stretching. You will become more flexible, and perhaps the most surprising benefit is how you can heal your heart and mind. Stretching these major muscle groups will give you the most benefits throughout your whole body. Keep up with it for optimal results. One of the most common stretching practices is to gently stretch before going to sleep. I, myself, stretch even when I’m not working out. Along with waking up the body, there are mental benefits to stretching that are important. And it just feels good! Endorphins also create a positive physical and mental feeling in the body when released. Many injuries happen when the body is not prepared for strenuous activity. 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. This article may include references and links to products and services from one or more of our advertisers. “Stretching can keep you balanced,” Kelvin Gary, a fitness expert and founder and head coach at Body Space Fitness, told HuffPost, adding that being inside all day and having to look at a computer screen can negatively affect your physical and mental health. Then slowly lower your arms. Stretching is both underrated and so … Without warming up first, sudden rigorous physical activity can strain the muscles. Of course, it’s also recommended before you hit the gym, go for a run, or any other physical activity. Stretching benefits your body and your mind Releases hormones for mood and emotions. Plus, you only need to do it about twice a week to realize optimum benefits. Edmond, OK 73013. Endorphins are substances that engage with the brain’s receptors to lessen feelings of pain. Embracing The Benefits of Yoga in The Morning. Stretching comes in many forms including yoga, dynamic stretching (best done before exercise), static stretching (best done following exercise), foam rolling, and more. Dynamic stretches for athletes preparing for competition, or more methodical stretching exercises to prepare the weekend warrior for physical activity. 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. The benefits of stretching come into play in a wide variety of ways. Improves Your Mental Health. Today, in this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 benefits of stretching for you. This will stretch your arms, neck, shoulders, and back. When it comes to the benefits, one of the most commonly overlooked is the fact that it helps to promote positive mental health. If you've ever wondered why so many people are obsessed with yoga, the stretching side of it is probably why. When this occurs, the endorphins also make you feel more positive. Some of the top benefits of stretching include better circulation, improved posture, and even helps […] When practiced regularly in the morning, afternoon or evening, there are so many mental, emotional, and physical benefits of yoga. Once you establish a good stretching routine, keep it up! So what are these benefits and why is stretching so important? Stretching as part of yoga may also improve quality of sleep by reducing mental stimulation, which is common in people who struggle with insomnia. Moreover, you do not need to pay a lot of money on fitness equipment or spend extra hours at a gym. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. But in the wild, animals – both predator and prey – need to be able to act on a moment’s notice. 6) Increased Flexibility Flexibility is perhaps the most obvious benefit to stretching. As muscles begin to work, the body recognizes the need for more blood to be pumped to those muscles. 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. Stretched for time. Any type of stretching, such as yoga, can help you relieve stress and make you feel better mentally and physically. 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. Adjust your stretching to how sore you feel and the muscles you are targeting. Stretching involves getting the major muscles groups ready to go, such as the legs, arms, and lower back. 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