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The Importance of Stretching
For most of us, feeling stress at some point during the day is probably inevitable —
whether it’s too many emails in your inbox, too many appointments on your calendar,
too many at-home chores to keep up with, or a problem requiring your attention and action.
When looking for stress relief and stretching help in Central Florida,
look no further than Heal. in Altamonte Springs.
We offer stretching as a service.
This is where a therapist works with you to increase your
range of motion and mobility.
Great for athletes or anyone recovering from an injury.
All physical or emotional stress – is stored in the body. Stress can show up as headaches, tense shoulders, and/or low back pain. We are Orlando's choice for alleviating these issues.
Let us help with a massage, aromatherapy, or Energy work.
Though we can’t always avoid stressors, we can find tools and develop good habits to help alleviate the effects of stress on our mind and body.
An easy and overlooked tool in your stress-relief toolbox is stretching!
Stretching helps lower stress levels by bringing blood flow into stagnant areas of the body, increasing serotonin, and releasing tension.
We tend to hold our breath under stress,
and stretching helps us remember to breathe more deeply and regularly.
Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces anxiety and stress.
Activating the parasympathetic system reduces our "fight or flight response system",
which in turn helps our body and mind to calm down.
It's almost like its all connected. Oh wait, it is!
Stretching can be done anywhere at any time.
Your mind and your body will thank you for it.
3 Stretches for you to try:
Figure Four Stretch:
Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor.
Cross your left ankle over your right knee, resting on just below the knee.
Lifting your right leg off the floor, grab onto the back of your right leg and gently pull it toward your chest as far as comfortable. (creating the number four)
When you feel a comfortable stretch, hold there. You should experience a gentle tug, but not pain.
Don't forget to breathe. Slowly, in through the nose, exhaling long and slow through the mouth.
Hold for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Switch sides and repeat.
Reclined Bound Angle:
Lie on your back.
Bring the soles of your feet together and allow your knees to open up and move closer to the floor.
Use support If you need to below your knees as they fold out to the sides.
Yoga blocks, rolled up towels, or small pillows should do the trick.
Hold for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Reclined Twist:
Lie on your back with your knees hugged in
Bring your arms out to the sides, stretched out in a "T".
Slowly drop your bent legs to one side.
Turn your gaze over your opposite shoulder to complete the twist from neck to low back.
Switch sides when you're ready.
Again, do not worry if you need a "prop" under your shoulder.
Stretching should never hurt, do what your body needs to be comfortable. Relax your hips and shoulders as you breathe deeply into your belly.
In Central Florida, look no further than Heal. in Altamonte Springs to be your favorite stress-free spot. We are Orlando's hidden gem of Self-Care and Wellness.
Serving Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Sanford, Winter Park, Orlando, Oviedo, Casselberry, Fern Park, Apopka and Longwood, and all of Greater Orlando and Central Florida.
We're Heal. for you!