Many are familiar with the benefits of mindfulness and yoga, but very few are aware of the power they hold when they release the tension within their body that is restraining their growth and energetic potential. Recent research in somatics and neuroscience has found that emotional trauma can be held in the hips- particularly in the psoas muscle (plays a key role in the fight- or- flight response)- and, by stretching, one is able to remove stress from the body and allow for a wider range of motion with more ease. This can assist with increasing quality of life and overall vitality through providing an emotional release that allows for a greater sense of safety and thus increasing the ability to live a life of clarity and authenticity.
Personal Testimony: I have benefited tremendously from 30 minutes of stretching in the morning and evening with a glass of lemon water. I feel more energized, clear and rested! I’d like to emphasize how important it is to listen to your body and take discomfort as a sign to adjust and modify movements for ease and comfort when stretching. Be patient with yourself. Breathe deeply through the movements and hold the stretch for about 10 seconds. Repeat stretches evenly of each side of the body (ie. Right arm to Left arm).
There are two different types of stretching: static and dynamic. This is important to realize as the different types accomplish varying outcomes for different activities. For instance, dynamic stretching is more geared towards movement preparation while static stretching has its benefits in flexibility and recovery. Please enjoy the below graph with a further comparison on the stretching types:
*** Please consult your physician prior to any changes in physical activity, medications, supplementation, or dietary alterations. Thank you! ***
APA Work Cited for above infographic (made with Copilot):
Healthline. (2021, February 18). Stretching: 9 benefits, plus safety tips and how to start. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-stretching
WebMD. (2011, April 15). New view of stretching’s benefits. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20110415/new-view-stretching-benefits
Parkview Health. (2022, November 16). Hanlin, E. 5 benefits of stretching. https://www.parkview.com/community/dashboard/five-benefits-of-stretching
APA work cited for Benefits of Stretching infographic (generated with Copilot):
Hanlin, Emily. “5 Benefits Of Stretching.” Parkview Health, 16 Nov. 2022, http://www.parkview.com/community/dashboard/five-benefits-of-stretching#..
“Stretching: 9 Benefits, Plus Safety Tips and How to Start.” Healthline, 18 Feb. 2021, http://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-stretching#benefits..
Warner, Jennifer. “New View of Stretching’s Benefits.” WebMD, 15 Apr. 2011, http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20110415/new-view-stretching-benefits..
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