As human beings, we spend a good portion of our lives finding the best way to keep our bodies healthy. Stretching is one exercise that assists with this, and research has revealed that stretching regularly or daily is a good way to protect one’s mobility and independence.
“Stretching keeps the muscles flexible and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage,” states medical experts Havard Health.
Fitness publication VeryWell Fit states that sticking with a consistent stretching regimen can have a noticeable impact on one’s sleep, mental health as well as physical flexibility. Furthermore, the ability to do certain exercises such as cardio and weightlifting becomes much easier once incorporating daily or consistent stretching.
Learn the health benefits of stretching daily:
Increases Flexibility
As previously stated, stretching assists with keeping muscles healthy and flexible, preventing any tightness from occurring. Mayo Clinic notes that flexibility can improve one’s performance in physical activities, decrease the risk of injuries, increase muscle blood flow and help joints move through their full range of motion.
Counteracts Inactivity
A study conducted by VeryWell Fit revealed that 10 minutes of stretching each day is enough to counteract inactivity-related performance declines. This means that people who have trouble with exercising daily, whether it is due to physical or lifestyle constraints, can stretch for at least 10 minutes each day to reach their exercise quota and keep their bodies in the required shape.
Improves your posture
According to health publication Healthline, muscle imbalances are common and often lead to bad posture. Furthermore, a study conducted by PubMed Central revealed that stretching specific muscle groups has the potential to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and encourage the required alignment, this consequently helps with one’s posture.
Is great for stress relief
The publication mentioned above also states that stress is often an indication of tense muscles, this is because it is their natural response to physical or emotional stress. Healthline therefore encourages a special focus on where the body tends to store stress, be it your shoulders, neck or head area.
Can Boost Brain Health
A study published by SAGE Journals revealed that stretching can have a positive effect on one’s mood and cognitive skills. “After young, inactive adults took part in 10 minutes of yoga techniques and stretching poses, they reported lower rates of tension, anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion. Plus, the study authors noted an association between better mood and improved cognitive performance, such as learning, thinking, remembering, problem-solving and decision making.”
