The list of things that we should do more frequently is rather vast for many of us. Prioritizing is the key, and there is one action you can take to cross off several objectives from your list at once. Stretching—yes, the basic bending and reaching motions from your gym class days—can help you relax after a stressful day, soothe a sore back, and even get a better night’s sleep in addition to limbering you up for exercise. And even if you haven’t touched your toes in years or are a regular stretcher, anyone can benefit from these advantages. Here are seven explanations for why stretching should be prioritised above everything else.
You’ll get over your poor energy.
According to Rachel Tavel, P.T., D.P.T., C.S.C.S., author of Prevention’s Stretch Yourself Healthy, just a few minutes of dynamic stretching, which involves imitating movements from a sport or activity, can increase blood flow, giving your brain a boost and helping you shake off a mid-afternoon slump.
Your equilibrium will improve.
Have you ever nearly fallen over anything you tripped over? We’ve all had the experience of our feet or legs connecting with something unexpected, whether it was the dog’s bone or a buried tree root. You’ll be more likely to stay upright because stretching improves your balance.
You’ll gain more flexibility.
You must unhook your bra. You can do this.More range of motion throughout the day, which stretching gives you. It enables you to reach items on higher shelves, itch that elusive spot on your shoulder blade, and, yes, even untie your own bra strap. Stretch Yourself Healthy author Tavel says that this is particularly crucial as you become older. Natural ageing processes reduce flexibility, which can ultimately cause joint stiffness and pain.
You’ll get better sleep.
Stretching makes it easier to fall asleep. Stretching not only promotes relaxation but also helps with some of the issues that keep us up at night. Consider leg cramps: According to study, if you frequently have them, a few weeks of stretching may lessen their intensity and frequency.
You’ll safeguard your general health.
According to a review of the studies, stretching may help enhance the health of blood vessels throughout your body by promoting better blood circulation, hence lowering your risk of heart disease. Furthermore, in another study conducted on mice—so not yet suitable for use with humans—Harvard and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute discovered that 10 minutes of daily stretching resulted in a 52% reduction in the formation of breast tumours. (Perhaps you want to know how exactly mice stretch. The mice were coaxed to clutch the bar by the researchers, who then raised them by the tail and stretched the tiny animals.)
You will lessen pain.
Do you spend too much time sitting at the office? So stretching won’t help you deal with the obnoxious coworker who consistently misses your Zoom calls. (Some work-related pains are permanent.) However, stretching can help with the discomfort brought on by prolonged sitting. One randomised controlled research found that daily stretching reduced neck, shoulder, and back discomfort among office employees compared to those who didn’t stretch.
You’ll feel wonderful!
You may incorporate stretching easily into your wellness programme. Even if you haven’t engaged in any physical exercise for years, Tavel argues that you can easily begin a stretching programme and use it to reach some of your most important health objectives.
