If you ever experience an afternoon slump, there is an easy way to revive your energy. Follow this simple series of twenty stretches and you’ll feel like a completely new person. Why does this work?
There are three reasons. Stretching causes you to breathe deeply bringing oxygen to your brain, in effect waking you up. Secondly, stretching releases the physical form of stress that is stored in your muscles. Storing that tension takes constant work by your muscles. Relieving that work frees up energy. Lastly, stretching helps your body remove toxins from your tissues. When you breathe deeply and move your body your lymph system is activated, cleansing the body of pollutants. The end result. You feel great!
Stretching Tips to Keep in Mind (Printable Version)
On each step in the series remember to:
- Breathe deeply and slowly
- Stretch to the point of feeling a “release,” but not to the point of feeling pain
- Hold each stretch for 10–30 seconds, or more if it feels good
- Go slow and be gentle. Over time you’ll actually feel greater benefits every day
- If someone laughs, invite them to join you
Twenty Stretches That Energize (See some visuals here)
1. Touch the Sky. Reach your arms up to the sky and as far back as you can safely go. You can try grasping like you’re trying to reach the stars.
2. Side Stretch. While standing reach your one arm over your head and to the opposite side. You can keep the other hand on your hip or in the air.
3. Touch Your Toes. Take off your shoes if you can. Wiggle your toes. Now bend at the hip and reach for your toes. Bending your knees is okay.
4. Shoulder Opener. Lean your palms against the wall above your head and bending at the hip to stretch out your shoulders and back.
