Today is the last Monday in July which is National Minority Mental Health Month. This month is to bring awareness to the various conditions. With this series the goal is to bring educate ways to think about your mental wellness whether you have an actual diagnosis. As humans, we have so many stressors that can affect us daily. It can be having to work, having a family, or having to various health conditions. All these things can have an effect on the mind and this is where stretching comes in.
Stretching is something most people do everyday without intention. You wake up in the morning, most times you might yawn and then you stretch before you get up. You might be at work at your desk and find yourself getting sleepy, so you stretch to get the kinks out to help refocus. Imagine getting a cramp in your leg, the first thing you do is stretch to help with pain relief. All these examples are moments where you stretch to feel better to go about your day with the tasks you are doing. Well, what if being more intentional about stretching was something you incorporate into your schedule. Imagine how good you would feel. Allotting time to do it can be beneficial to your mental wellbeing and here’s how…
- It creates a sense of relaxation as you stretch, releasing tension from your body.
- With your body being relaxed it puts you in a state of rest that can help improve your sleep.
- It increases blood flow to the brain allowing an extended period of focus and clarity
- You usually feel good/better after your stretch. There are happy hormones or endorphins released that creates a better mood and decreases any anxiety you may experience in that moment.
As someone who works with children, have a small sewing business, and works on the computer, my shoulders take on a lot of stress. Here are a few great stretches that help me and can hopefully help you if you want to be on this mindfulness journey. All you have to do is one stretch at a time until you get the results you want. Happy Monday!
Cat/Cow Stretch
Spinal Twist
Seated Eagle Arms
Child’s Pose