Combat Stress with Stretching

Combat stress with stretching!

It’s a stressful time of year to say the least. Not only does stretching help with physical health, but it also gives a boost to mental health. Stress can cause muscles to become tense, then to tighten, leading to discomfort and chronic pain. Stretching reduces the muscle tension, thereby reversing some of chronic pain and discomfort. It has also been shown to increase serotonin levels , the hormone that helps stabilize our mood, reduce stress, and overall makes us feel good-which causes a decrease in depression and anxiety.

Assisted stretching, or stretching a muscle further than you can achieve on your own, activates your parasympathetic nervous system and is responsible for inducing feelings of calm. Stretching at night can also promote feelings of relaxation and help improve sleep quality.

Often when we become anxious or impatient, like sitting at a desk for hours at a time, you might find your body taking you into a stretch involuntarily. This is most likely it needs some blood flow, relaxation, and some endorphins, which are all released when stretching. Endorphins help to relieve pain and stiffness.