In A Bad Mood? Try These 6 Stretches
Leave a CommentStretching is something that we all tend to do at some point in our days but are not always aware we are doing it. When you first wake up in the morning, you may reach up to the sky to feel a good stretch in your arms and back or bend your neck side to side to relieve some tension while sitting at your desk at work. Stretching doesn’t necessarily take much effort but has great benefits.
Studies have shown that stretching increases blood flow in your muscle and can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is the system in your body which allows you to relax. Some studies also suggest that stretching can release endorphins which can reduce pain symptoms and improve your overall mood. Stretching has also been shown to reduce the risk of injuries with performance of daily activities and sport participation.
The next time you need a little boost, try the stretches below to help improve your overall mobility, decrease risk of injury and improve your mood!
Lower Trunk Rotations
Begin lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your arms straight out to your sides. Lower your knees to one side hold for 10 seconds, return to center, and repeat on the other side.
Upper Trap Stretches
Begin sitting upright on a table grasping the edge with one hand. Rotate your head up and to the side opposite of your anchored arm and slowly lean it toward your shoulder, applying pressure with your hand until you feel a stretch and hold.
Levator Stretch
Begin sitting upright in a chair, grasping the edge with one hand. Rotate your head to the side opposite your anchored arm, then tuck your chin towards your chest. With your free hand, grasp the back of your head and gently pull it downward until you feel a stretch and hold.
Child Pose
Begin on your hands and knees. Sit back towards your heels, reaching your arms out in front of you, and allow your head to rest on the floor. You can also stretch your sides by bringing both of your arms to one side of your body. Then repeat on the other side.
Seated Hamstring Stretch
Begin sitting upright with one leg straight forward and your heel resting on the ground. Bend forward, hinging at your hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold this position for a few seconds before switching sides.
Calf Stretch
Begin in a standing upright position in front of a wall. Place your hands on the wall and extend one leg straight backward, bending your front leg, until you feel a stretch in the calf of your back leg and hold. Repeat on the other side.
If you experience any pain when performing these stretches, contact your local Athletico to speak with a movement expert who can help! We offer free assessments that allow you to connect directly with one of our trained physical therapists who will assess your condition and recommend the best treatment option for your needs. Free assessments are available in person and virtually through our Telehealth platform.
*Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VHA and other federally funded plans are not eligible for free assessments.
The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
