Stress levels are high for everyone right now. Some of us are juggling working from home with online school, some people aren’t working at all, and everyone is trying to adjust to our new (and hopefully temporary!) norms. Our bodies are impacted by all this stress in many ways.
Under stress, the body becomes weaker and starts to close down. You may notice some areas feeling too tight while others are too flimsy. Stretching regularly at home can relieve stress and combat these effects in-between your chiropractic appointments. Add these to your routine to reduce structural stress on your body and decrease anxiety.
Open Up with a Foam Roller
We love foam rollers — these long pieces of sturdy foam are about 24 to 36 inches long and easily available online. Place the roller on the floor, lengthwise under your spine. Lie on top of it and position the roller so it spans the length of your spine. Slowly spread your arms out to your sides and open your legs as you balance along the roller’s length. Hold the position for two to three minutes, or as long as you comfortably can. Work up over time to five to eight minutes each day for maximum results. This practice allows your body to open up, relax and breathe.
Stretch Your Hips
Many of us have spent more time sitting in the last few months than we’d like to admit. This move will help you open up your hips and build strength. Start by laying on your back with your feet on the floor and your knees at a 90-degree angle. Place a rolled-up towel under your hips for support, then cross your left ankle over your right knee and flex your left foot. Slowly bring both legs in and pause when they are aligned over your hips. Grab behind your left thigh, keeping your head on the floor, and gently extend your public bone toward your feet. Pause when your lower back is slightly curved. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.
Relieve Tension from the Back of Your Head
With stress, tension can quickly rise from the back of your head. To remedy this, grab a tennis ball, lie on your back and place the ball under your skull’s base. You’ll feel pressure. Hold the ball wherever you feel it for about 20 to 30 seconds. Keep rolling the ball down your neck as long as it feels comfortable. This exercise can relieve muscle tension and can be done throughout the day for quick relief.
These stretches and movements can help reduce stress, but high stress at chronic levels can take a serious toll on your health. We are happy to recommend ways to further reduce stress so you can feel better both physically and mentally. Give us a call today at 360-573-5500 to learn more.
