
Stretching to Relieve Stress
3 quick ways to relax your body and spirit
Sep 16, 2009
Self-Care & Mental HealthLearn about our editorial policies
Most of us experience a good deal of stress in our daily lives. There just never seems to be enough time in the day. And that stress builds up without our realizing it, creating physical and mental stiffness. "Stretching is an effective strategy to aid in the relief of stress. It lengthens the muscles to relieve tension," says Jaime Longval, M.S., a certified strength and conditioning specialist at Brown University and The Miriam Hospital Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine in Providence, RI.
Stretching can be done almost anywhere. Longval suggests these quick ways to relax your body and spirit:
Upper Back Stretch:
Neck Stretch:
Towel Stretch for Legs: