Stretching is a concept most of us over the age of 5 are familiar with, but I imagine if I were to ask a random group of people if they stretch as often as they should the answer would be no.
For those of us who do stretch on a regular or semi-regular basis, it is probable that we do so because we are engaged in some sort of physical activity. Whether it be a sport or working out in a gym, stretching is a tremendous component of exercise, but exercise should not be the only reason we stretch.
My dad actually inspired today’s post in a conversation he and I recently had. We were with one of my parent’s three dogs, and my dad and I were talking while watching Blue absentmindedly. Blue got up off of his bed, and prior to walking around to any extent, he stopped and had a good stretch. My dad commented on how most animals, when they get up after laying down or sitting for a while, stretch, and how humans rarely do, and his analogy really did get me thinking about the importance of stretching and why we humans should arguably dabble in it more.
Stretching has its obvious benefits – loosening up joints and muscles, increasing mobility, and enhancing flexibility, to name a few. But, it’s also an excellent way to boost circulation by increasing blood flow to muscles; it can help to improve and benefit posture; it is a form of stress relief; it can alleviate tension headaches; and it can soothe the mind, according to healthline.com.
I know I don’t stretch as often as I should, but I will say that any time I do stretch, I always feel better afterwards. Don’t leave stretching just to athletics and fitness – it really is a great habit to develop.
Photo by Anastasia Hisel on Unsplash
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