Stress Reliever

Single mom or not, stress visits us on a daily basis. The ill effects that stress can do to your body and be countered by simple stretches.  Stress hampers blood circulation resulting to tensed muscles particularly muscles in your back, neck and shoulders.  People in the office or those who sit for long periods of time are prone to muscle tension. Even single moms who run around to finish various tasks daily are prone to muscle pains. Movement induces release of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the bloodstream. Stretching can reduce pain of your tensed muscles, increase blood circulation and helps you develop good posture and relieve you of stress. Following are very powerful stress relieving stretches.

 

Stretch step number one. Sit on a chair with your feet far apart.  Make sure that you are seated straight up and not with a bended back.  Now stretch your arms like you are reaching for the ceiling. Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds, then release.  Repeat this three times.

 

Stretch step number two. Face a wall, feet apart.  Place your hands flat against the wall above your head. Walk your hand higher until you feel a good stretch. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then release.  Repeat this three times.

 

Stretch step number three. Remain standing with feet apart.  Raise your right arm, hand facing in. Hold for 5 seconds. Move your arm at shoulder level for 5 seconds then bring your arm down.  Repeat three times.  Now, do the same with your left arm.

 

Stretch step number four.  Go back to your chair. Sit on your chair with your feet far apart.  Make sure that you are seated straight.  Reach down to touch your toes. Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds, then release.  Repeat this three times.

 

Stretch step number five.  Still seated on your chair with feet apart, gently twist your body to the right.  Hold for 10 to 20 seconds.  Now twist your body to the left. Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds, then release.  Repeat this three times.

 

Stretch step number six. Stand up with feet apart. Drop down your chin towards your chest while clasping your hands behind your head.  Keep pulling down till you feel a good stretch.  Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds, then release.  Repeat this three times.

 

Stretch step number seven. Stand with your back against a wall to ensure that you are keeping a straight position. Reach your right arm over your head to touch your left ear.  Tilt your head toward your right shoulder till you feel a good stretch.  Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds, then release.  Repeat this three times. Now reach your left arm over your head and touch your right ear.  Tilt your head toward your left shoulder till you feel a good stretch.  Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds, then release.  Repeat this three times.

 

Stretch step number eight.  Go back to your seated position. Slowly bring your shoulders all the way up toward your ears, holding this position for 5 seconds. Gently roll your shoulders back and down until you are back at your starting position. Breathe slowly taking your time. Repeat three times.

 

Do all of these stretch steps or choose those that best suit your need and feel your muscles ease up.  Even if you are busy, you need only a minimum of five minutes to ease your tensed muscles. Do not wait till you are too stressed out to do these easy and powerful stress relievers. 

 

Single moms, here’s to living a stress free life!