I could sit here and bore you with some of the science and physiology of stretching, however, I find first hand experience much more interesting. This post focuses on the ability to relax and reduce stress within our bodies through a simple stretch routine.

With how busy everyone seems to be these days, and the added stress that the Covid-19 pandemic has created, it seems that no one has the time or energy to give back to their bodies. Everyone seems to be running on empty, and nearing physical and emotional exhaustion.

Some people may be stressed with an increased work load, and even less time for themselves and their families. Some people may be out of work, with a decreased household income and added responsibilities, such as kids staying home and community restrictions causing a bit of chaos.

A lot of us use exercise as our stress relief, our energy outlets, and our way to clear our heads. Which is great! I am a huge advocate for this.

But, my advice is to ensure that you match your body’s needs with your exercise selection. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense. It doesn’t have to “smash you”. And it certainly shouldn’t leave your body more fatigued and exhausted by the end of the week.

Enter a good stretch routine.

Stretching can be so relaxing, and can leave us feeling refreshed, limber, and less achy. By adding a stretch sequence into your weekly or daily routine, you could be helping to reduce stress, increase your moods, and improve your overall body function.

Perfect for what most of us have been dealing with over the past 2-3 years. It can be as simple as stretching for few minutes after your workout or by setting aside an allocated “stretch” session during your day. Any time of day is okay to reap the benefits of relaxing and reducing stress in the body.

Why do you think Yoga is so successful?

I love yoga, and believe in it’s principles and history. I also believe that when you spend an hour in a dark, calm environment with no phones, no blue lights, and no distractions, you will feel so much better mentally and physically.

I even notice this with clients when I spend 5-10 minutes at the end of a session to help them stretch. Stretching isn’t always for gaining range, and increasing flexibility. As a trainer, it helps me connect with a client and bring the attention back to them. We have a good chat and they leave feeling cared for (I hope!). They leave the session feeling better than when they arrived, and ready to conquer the rest of their day.

Why not try to recreate this effect more frequently, without even leaving your home?

Stretching is great for that extra bit of “down time”, or “me” time, to let the body and energy systems restore themselves, and let you breathe for a bit. This can have an even better effect than an extra 5 minutes of cardio, or an extra set of strength training.

How many people spend 5-10minutes a day JUST on themselves!?

It sounds so simple, but it is so uncommon nowadays. We are so conditioned to do more, keep pushing, and constantly squeezing more into small timeframes.

If you could spend just 10-minutes a day to stretch out the body, play some relaxing music, and dim the lights, it is a simple, cost-effective way to see great benefits to the body, mind and spirit.

Unload the spine, take a few deep breaths for yourself, and let some of that tension release. Reduce stress, and boost your mental state.

I am currently deep into my 3rd trimester of pregnancy and have noticed that stretching is an absolute must for my body to feel good at the end of the day. But with a huge belly, getting up and down off the ground isn’t all the comfortable, or enjoyable.

That’s why I’ve created a quick, less-than-10-minute Standing Stretch Sequence that has been on repeat for 3 weeks now, and I love it!

If you’d like to follow along with me, I’ve compiled an email with 10 short videos to show all the stretches in one place.

Click HERE to stretch with me today!

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