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Health & FitnessLifestyleMental Health

15 Minute Full-Body Stretch To Relieve Your Stress- Proven Ways

VCure Healthcare
Last updated: June 5, 2021 8:17 PM
By VCure Healthcare
10 Min Read
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When you’re stressed out, one of the best ways to feel better quickly is to do some stretches combined with some deep breathing. Breathing deeply and stretching your muscles can help you relax your mind and body. There are also some stretches that can help with stress reduction specifically. Give a few a shot, and you might feel a lot better afterward. So here are 15 minute full body stretch to start your day with.

Neck and Back

To stretch your neck, lower your chin and push on the back of your head.

stress relief therapies
Neck stretch : up and down

By leaning forward and moving your chin toward your chest, you can target the back of your neck, which can often hold a lot of stressful tension. Gently press your hands against the back of your head until you feel a slight stretch. Breathe steadily for about 20-30 seconds while holding the stretch and then slowly releasing it. While stretching, take long, slow breaths.
Repeat the stretch 2 to 5 times more.

Stretch your upper trapezius by bringing your ear to your shoulder. 

stress relief therapies
Neck side stretch : ears-to-shoulders

By slowly leaning your head to one side and bringing your ear toward your shoulder, you can focus on the side of your neck and your upper trapezius (the large upper back muscle located behind your neck and shoulders). Hold a gentle stretch for about 30 seconds, then release and repeat on the opposite side to ensure balance.
Many people carry stress in their shoulders and trapezius, so this stretch may be beneficial.

If you are seated, you can stabilise yourself by holding onto the chair with one hand.

For a deep, relaxing stretch, stretch each side twice. Interlace your fingers behind your back for a deeper stretch.

Stretch your upper back by rounding your back and pushing your hands forward. 

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Upper back stretch : In sitting

Hold your arms parallel to the floor and clasp your hands in front of you. Maintain a relaxed head and a round upper back. Push your hands forward as far as you can away from your body until you feel a deep, tension-relieving stretch in your upper back. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds before releasing it gently.

You might not have realised how much tension you’ve been holding in your back while stressed. Use this movement to aid in its release.
Make sure you don’t hold your breath while stretching.

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Upper back stretch : In standing

To stretch your lower back, lie down and pull your knees to your chest.

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Knees-to-Chest : On your back (In supine Lying)

Lay flat on your back on the floor or on top of a mat. Pull your knees into your chest and concentrate on breathing and releasing any muscle tension. Hold the position for approximately 30 seconds before gently releasing it.

stress depression and anxiety
Alternate knees-to-chest stretch
stress depression and anxiety
Knee-to-chest stretch : In standing

Legs

Stretch your glutes by crossing one foot over the other knee.

full body stretch
Glutes stretch

When you’re stressed, your glutes can hold a lot of tension, and stretching them out can help release it. Place your feet flat on the ground and cross your left foot over your right knee to form a figure four shape. Then, press gently on your left knee to stretch your glute. Maintain the stretch for a few seconds before releasing.
To stretch your glutes evenly, perform a few reps on each leg.
Lay on your back, cross one leg over the other, and hug your knee to your chest to deepen the stretch.

Stretch your hamstring by extending one leg and reaching over it.

15 minute full body stretch
Hamstring stretch : Alternate single leg stretch

Maintain one leg bent at the knee while stretching the other straight out in front of you. Lean over your extended leg and reach as far as you can to stretch your hamstring. Hold the stretch for about 10-15 seconds before releasing it. Repeat the stretch on the other side by switching legs. [8] Formalized paraphrase
Your hamstrings can hold a lot of extra tension if you’re tense and stressed. Stretching them out can assist you in relaxing and calming your mind.

To relieve tension, exhale slowly as you release the stretch.

15 minute full body stretch
Hamstring stretch : With both Legs together

Lie down and pull your leg toward your chest with a towel.

full body stretch
Single leg stretch : se towel in beginning (placed at your feet) to stretch your feet

Lay on your back, knees flexed, feet flat on the floor. Extend one leg toward the ceiling while keeping your knee slightly bent. Hold both ends of a dish or hand towel behind the back of your extended leg or on the ankle. To stretch the entire backside of your leg, gently pull the towel toward your chest. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds before releasing it. Repeat the stretch with the other leg. 
If you place the towel behind your knee, you will not stretch your calves.
Repeat the stretch on each leg 2-5 times.

To stretch your hip flexors, kneel and push your hips forward.

stress relief therapies
Hip flexor stretch

Kneel down with one knee bent in front of your torso. Maintain a straight back and a raised chest as you gently press your hips forward until you feel a stretch at the front of your hip. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds before repeating the stretch on the opposite side.
To really open up your hips, stretch each side twice.

Stretching Tips For Full Body Stretch

While stretching, take deep, even breaths.

 full body stretch
While stretching, take deep, even breaths

Take long, slow breaths through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. Avoid holding your breath while you stretch. Breathe deeply and steadily throughout each movement to help increase your flexibility and relax.
Try breathing exercises to help relax and ease your stress.
The extra oxygen from deep breathing can assist relieve stress and anxiety.

Maintain a smooth and slow pace with your stretches.

 full body stretch
Maintain a smooth and slow pace with your stretches.

As you conduct your full body stretch routine, pay attention to your muscles and try not to push them past their limits. If you bounce or jerk while stretching, you risk injuring yourself. Instead, stretch slowly and concentrate on your breathing to increase your flexibility and reduce stress.
A painful muscle injury will undoubtedly increase your stress! Take it easy and stay smooth.

Avoid Stretching to the point of discomfort or pain.

15 minute full body stretch
Avoid Stretching to the point of discomfort or pain

There should be some tension and pull on the muscle you’re stretching, but there should be no pain. Find that tension and hold it in order to stretch in a healthy way that will not result in injuries. If you experience pain while stretching, ease up and avoid stretching that area. Consult your doctor if the pain persists to ensure that there isn’t an underlying injury.

Try yoga for a guided breathing and stretching practice. 

15 minute full body stretch
Try yoga for a guided breathing and stretching practice. 

Yoga is an excellent stress-relieving combination of exercise, stretching, and breathing exercises. This will aid in your full body stretch routine. Find a yoga studio in your area and try a class to see if you like it. You can also practice yoga at home by watching instructional videos or enrolling in online classes.
Many yoga studios will give you your first class for free.

Yoga with a certified practitioner can help ensure that you are performing the movements correctly.

To help prevent stress, aim to exercise for at least 15-20 minutes every day.

15 minute full body stretch
Try 15-20 minutes of vigorous exercise such as running, biking, or swimming.

Exercise is essential for maintaining good health and reducing stress. Furthermore, if you feel good, you may feel less anxious and stressed. Aim for at least 2 miles (3.2 km) of walking per day, or try 15-20 minutes of vigorous exercise such as running, biking, or swimming.
To have a balanced, healthy exercise program, try adding in some strength training 2-3 times per week in addition to your stretching.

Also Read : GET RID OF GREY HAIR USING THESE HOME REMEDIES – V Cure (vcurehealthcare.com)

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TAGGED:15 minute Full Body Stretchbody stretching tipscool down exercisesDr Kruti VelaniFull Body Stretchglutes stretchhamstring stretchhip flexor stretchhow to treat stress and anxiety without medicationstress relief therapiesstretchingvcurehealthcare
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