Stretching Strategies
This morning, before I started my day,
I took some time to stretch.
With feet slightly more then shoulder length apart, putting my left hand on my waist, reaching my right arm up and over head—holding for 20–30 seconds. I then switched--putting my right hand on my waist, stretching my left arm over head allowing the right side of my torso to open up—again, holding for 20–30 seconds. I repeat this complete set 2–3 times.
My next stretch I kept my feet set the same, gently leaning over and to the right, as if to touch my toes, I held for 20 seconds. Moving both arms to the left I reach for my other set of toes–holding for 20 seconds and then finally reaching for the ground in the middle of my feet—I held for another 20 seconds—in a matter of minutes a little stretching made a significant difference to my over all physical well-being.
Harvard Medical Schools contends “stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints.” So, just for a moment, stop what you are doing and stretch. Arch your back, extend your arms; try sitting on the floor while gently trying to touch your toes—embrace the satisfaction of retraction and protraction. Feel yourself lengthening the muscles of your body, much to the despair of your desk chair. Sit back into it, your work isn’t going anywhere; don’t forget to breathe and control that breath, sending oxygen to even the deepest crevices of your muscles and joints. Feel the day’s cargo melt away like a Dali timepiece. Reach just a bit further, breathe in just a bit deeper—hold on to this moment
. . . Then, let it all out and appreciate the experience.