There are numerous benefits to stretching, some are for the physical body and others are for the mind but all are just as important to your over all well being.

Even though these benefits are so great the majority of people even those who spend a lot of exercising do not take the time to stretch. 

 

Here are my top benefits for stretching – my top 3 for the mind & top 3 for the body as I know that some people are drawn to physical benefits, some to mental benefits and others both! 

 

MIND:

 

1. IT CAN BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE, SELF ESTEEM & MAKE YOU HAPPIER!

Studies have proven that stretching releases dopamine (the happy hormone) which will make you more positive therefore increasing your overall confidence and making you feel happier! The happier you are the easier your busy, stressful days will be.

 

2. REDUCES STRESS & MAKES YOU FEEL MORE AT EASE!

Taking time to stretch causes you to take time out of your busy life, concentrate and be in the moment.

To stretch correctly you must learn to breathe properly and deeply which has a huge positive impact on your stress levels. 

Use this time to completely free your mind of all the stresses, chores and worries in your life.

Put on some soft soothing music, take a yoga class or go to the park and stretch and I guarantee you will feel so much less stressed after.

 

3. BETTER SLEEP!

Stretching has been proven to help you sleep better and deeper so even if your sleep is broken by a waking baby those hours you do get will be better quality.

As busy women and Mummies we all know how much better we feel mentally if we have a good nights sleep.

BODY:

 

1. REDUCES RISK OF INJURY!

Stretching releases tightness in your muscles and increases flexibility therefore meaning you have better range of motion in your joints so you are less likely to cause injury during exercise.

 

2. YOU’LL BE ABLE TO EXERCISE FOR LONGER AND MORE OFTEN!

Stretching releases muscle fatigue therefore if your muscles less fatigued you will be able to exercise at any intensity for a longer period of time! It also aids with recovery so you will be able to do more sessions each week with less pain.

 

3. MAKES EVERY DAY TASKS EASIER!

Stretching releases tension and pain through out the body and also increases flexibility. Flexibility in the joints will make every day tasks such as pulling the pram in and out the car, lifting baby, pushing prams or just carrying your baby around easier and less painful. It will also reduce back, neck and shoulder pain due to over use of these parts of the body. 

 

 

I hope at least one of these things makes you want to pull out the yoga mat, get on the floor, join a yoga class or add 10 minutes of stretching in to your workout! I promise your mind and body will thank you for it!

 

Want more info on stretching? 

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