Listen to Your Body: 2 Easy Stretches You Can Do At Home
Something powerful and positive happens when we slow down, pause and listen to that voice inside of us all… it guides us!
Taking time to give back to yourself and your body—time to relax, stretch, and breathe deeply—sends a positive message to the brain that all is okay! The brain tells our muscles and organ system that they can now chill & relax. It’s important to give your body a break from go go go, do, do, work, work, work of our daily lives. When we slow down, we think more clearly and our bodies function on a higher level.
Stretching has been a big key for me my entire life and has become a true passion! When we stretch, the benefits are huge: increased blood flow, flexibility, range of motion, better posture and sleep and a decreased risk of injury and stress. When our muscles and organs are relaxed, we experience better digestion and elimination.
Here are two of my very favorite and easy stretches you can do at home anytime:
1. Legs Up The Wall:
1. Sit on the floor as close to a wall as possible.
2. Lay down and scoot your bottom all the way to the wall with your legs up and resting on the wall perpendicular to the floor.
3. Relax & breathe… you are giving time for yourself. Let positive thoughts flow. Remain in this position for as long as you feel comfortable.
4. Bring the soles of your feet together as you bend your knees outward in a butterfly position and slide them down the wall toward you.
5. With your feet and bottom still against the wall and your knees out in butterfly position, place your hands on your knees and press your knees toward the wall to open hips. Hold for as long as you feel comfortable.
2. The Kitchen Sink:
1. Stand in front of your kitchen sink.
2. Hold on to edge of sink and counter and walk away a few feet. You should bend at your hips at a 90 degree angle; your torso will be parallel with the floor.
3. With your feet apart, drop your head between your elbows and pull away from sink with your arms.
4. Feel your spine elongate. You neck, shoulders, and back will relax!
