Four Stress Management Stretching Techniques
Stress management stretching can greatly reduce both mental and body stress. If practiced on a regular basis, stress management stretching can even prevent stress. Here are four stress management stretches that you can use when you are feeling frazzled.
The L
This stress management stretch may seem silly, but it really works. The L stretch is done by lying in an L position, with your legs and buttocks firmly against a wall, and your back and head resting on the floor. This stretches relieves tension in the back and shoulders. It also helps relieve any swelling in the legs by effectively elevating them.
Over the Head Stretch
This stretch will loosen the tension in your shoulders and upper back that may be caused by sitting in front of a computer or clenching when in a stressful situation.
Interlock your fingers and bring them over your head, with your arms extended. Gently, slowly, move your arms back behind your head until you feel the area around your shoulder blades tighten. Hold your arms there for a few seconds, then release, slowly. Next, do the same move again, but instead of holding in one place, lean to the right until you feel your left side stretch. Hold this move for a few seconds, then lean to the left until you feel your right side stretch, and then release the pose.
The Neck Roll
The neck roll is a very versatile stretch that you can do anywhere such as at a stop light, at your desk, or while cooking dinner.
Simply lean your head down towards your chest, then slowly roll it to the right and then to the left without any fast or jerking motions because that can easily pull a muscle.
Yoga Ball Stretch
This stress management stretch is for those with good balance. It stretches the muscles and lengthens any compressed vertebrae in your spine. A yoga ball can be purchased at many department stores that carry exercise equipment.
Start by sitting on the yoga ball with your feet planted a shoulder's width apart. Slowly walk your feet forward until your spine is lying on the ball. Then, walk back until your back is arched around the ball. Put your hands above your head and try to touch the ground, if possible. You may feel your back pop a few times. This is your vertebrae releasing pressure and is very natural.
There are many other great stress management stretching techniques online.
