How to Relieve Stress by Stretching

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives in today's busy world. While everyone experiences stress in one degree or another, the manner in which stress affects individuals varies with one's ability to cope. Small lifestyle changes can help relieve stress. Incorporate stretching into a daily routine to help alleviate stress.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Shrug your shoulders up and down ten times. Repeat this three times to get the blood flowing in the shoulder and neck area.

2. Roll your neck forward, starting with the right side, moving towards your chest and stopping at the left side. Repeat ten times each way, for a total of twenty.

3. Stretch your shoulder blades by gently pulling one arm across your chest with the other arm. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds, and repeat with the other arm.

4. Clasp your hands in front of you, palms facing out. Push your palms away from you to stretch your shoulder blade area.

5. Clasp your hands behind your back and raise them towards your head. This stretch will be felt in the upper arm and front shoulder area.

6. Stretch your back. Gently turn your back side to side, being careful not to over rotate. Bend over, keeping your back straight, and wrap your arms around your legs. Hold on to your legs while you arch your lower back.

7. Bend over and try to touch your toes to stretch your legs. Stretch your quads by pulling your foot behind you and holding it for 20 seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not roll your neck towards your back--it can cause spinal damage.