Reflect and Nourish

Ahh, yes — there’s nothing like that euphoric, relaxing feeling you get when you let yourself sink into a deep pike stretch. 

Stretching not only feels good — but it’s good for you! Here are just a few benefits I’ve noticed after stretching practically daily for almost seven years!:

1. Improves mobility.

According to Harvard Health stretching helps keep you maintain your joints’ range of motion, allowing them to move in a variety of ways. 

Without stretching, muscles tend to become tight and stiff, which may make it more difficult to extend your limbs all the way. So, regularly stretching helps ensure you can move safely with well-supported joints.

2. Promotes relaxation.

When muscles are stretched, they loosen — and this includes muscles that may have tightened during periods of stress, according to Medical News Today. As such, stretching may help reduce your stress levels and help you feel calmer.  

Stretching also activates your parasympathetic nervous system (aka the “rest and digest” function) which promotes feelings of calm, according to Healthline.

3. Encourages blood flow.

Stretching your muscles can promote blood flow and circulation, which may help improve your heart health, according to VeryWellHealth.

4. Helps improve physical performance.

Both static and dynamic stretching offer physical health benefits, such as increased range of motion in the joints, according to Healthline. However, static stretching should ideally be saved for after your workout since it tends to decrease “force production.” 

5. Improves posture.

According to VeryWellHealth, stretching and strengthening your muscles encourages proper alignment and posture. This can help prevent muscle tightness or stiffness, especially if you do a lot of sedentary work.

6. It’s fun!
   

Last but not least, it’s simply fun to challenge yourself to try new poses and stretches. What’s more, stretching releases endorphins, which are part of your body’s natural reward system, according to Healthline.

These are some of the many benefits I’ve gained from stretching. Are there any I missed? Let me know in the comments!