My secret to putting a bit more pep in my step!
I get it, we’re all super busy. And sometimes when we’re busy, some very important things end up taking a back seat. Things like our own health and wellness. We figure ‘hey, there’ll be time to get back in shape later, you know, when things settle down a bit’.
Now let me ask you a question. Is it ever not busy??? Didn’t think so.
That’s why I want to show you how you can take just 5 minutes right now and make a positive change for your body. Even though it’s just 5 minutes, it’s super powerful because what you’re really doing is claiming back some time for yourself and your body. For once you’ll be putting yourself first. And I’m not even talking about doing a super intense HIIT workout (although I don’t discourage that either). What I’m talking about is a simple set of stretches that you can do anywhere.
Here are a few reasons why you should incorporate a regular stretching practice into your daily routine. I love using my Saje Peppermint Roller to help me get in the right mindset to start my stretching.
1. Stretching Can Improve Your Posture:
The vast majority of us unfortunately suffer from bad posture. Whether it’s from prolonged sitting, excessive use of computers and cell phones or a lack of exercise, our bodies and muscles spend the majority of the day all tense & scrunched up. Stretching helps loosen up the muscles and helps you stand (and sit) taller.
2. Stretching Can Improve Your Flexibility:
If you ever noticed that you’re nowhere as flexible as you used to be, stretching is just the thing to help you get that back. Remember to start slow and work your way into a deeper stretch. Just like with strength, some people are naturally more flexible than others but with repeated practice you’ll soon find yourself gaining flexibility.
3. Stretching Can Decrease Your Risk Of Injury:
Stretching can help improve your mechanics by helping to align your joints properly. That way you’re much less likely to injure yourself when engaging in activities such as weightlifting or running.
4. Stretching Can Promote Relaxation:
The breathing techniques commonly employed during stretching helps you to relieve stress and feel more relaxed. Not only is deep breathing healthy for your lungs, it’s also been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which can a sense of both physical and mental well-being.
5. Stretching can help with mental clarity:
As you take the time to focus on your breathing and holding your stretches, this forces you to take your attention off other things and be present with your body. This can help clear your mind and leave you feeling a little more clear headed once you’re done.
I’ve found an easy way to remember to get my daily stretch in is by breaking out of my daily routine, even if it’s just for 5 minutes every day. I usually have a Saje Wellness Peppermint Halo Roll-On (click here) around and I find the simple act of taking just a few seconds to apply some to my temples and neck helps my mind break out of it’s regular patterns. The cooling peppermint, rosemary, lavender soothe any tension I am holding on to and I find it so much easier to focus on a short 5 minute stretching practice. It doesn’t matter whether I’m in the kitchen, brushing my teeth, or helping the kids with their homework, doing just a few stretches every day makes a world of difference for me. Go ahead, give it a try and see if you don’t feel the same!