Reducing Stress With Stretches

The more stressful your day, the more tense you’re likely to become. You CAN’T control lots of factors that contribute to everyday stress. But you CAN control how you react to it. One of the best ways is to prevent your muscles from tensing in response to stress.

Stretching exercises are your best buddy for “staying loose.” Try them throughout your day at work and home.

Chest Stretch

With your arm slightly above shoulder level, grab a door frame. Turn away from the door and hold. You should feel the stretch in your chest, shoulder and arm. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat for the other arm.

Arm and Shoulder Relaxer

Stand inside a doorway facing one side of the door jamb, about six inches away from it. Grasp the door jamb with your hands at chest height. Keeping your back straight, bend at the hips and slightly at the knees as you pull away from the door jamb. You should feel the stretch through your arms, shoulders, and back. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat.

Arm Stretches

1. Interlace your fingers. Straighten your arms and raise them above your head, palms facing upward. Hold for 10 seconds. Rest. Repeat.

2. Interlace your fingers. Turn your palms outward and straighten your arms in front of you. Hold for 10 seconds. Rest. Repeat.

Neck Stretch

Sit in a chair. Grab the seat with your right hand. Tilt your head to the left side, bringing your ear toward your left shoulder. Hold for 10 to 30 seconds. Don’t raise your shoulder toward your ear. Repeat for the other side.

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