Why You Should Stretch Every Night and Morning | Suggestion

Choose flexibility for peace and longevity.

It is common knowledge to stretch as soon as you get up in the morning. This is because when the body rests in one position for a long period of time, the muscles lock up. You need to loosen your muscles before you engage in physical activity in order to avoid muscle aches (myalgia), or worse, a charley horse. However, stretching is not just something we should do after waking up from deep sleep or a nap, but also an activity we should partake in anytime we have been idle for a lengthy period of time. Even stretching the legs and arms while sitting will benefit your muscles.

Body builders are not the only people who should be concerned about muscle strength. Weaker muscles tear easier and atrophy more regularly. Stretching helps increase range of motion, increase blood flow, strengthen muscles, and altogether makes it easier to perform daily tasks. It is important to stretch symmetrically because uneven muscles can cause strains and sprains. Place the same amount of stress, and spend the same amount of time, on both sides of the body. Stretching can also improve one's posture by placing less stress on certain muscle groups. If you think that work is tiring, atrophied muscles can make you less productive by shifting your focus to your aching body. The stronger and more balanced your muscles are, the better they can support your skeletal system.

Felines are notorious stretchers.

It is important to remember to drink water when stretching as you would when exercising as every cell in the body requires water. Failing to hydrate before stretching could result in muscle sprain, or worse, muscle tears. Additionally, one should breathe slowly and deeply. This oxygenates the blood as it shifts to the stimulated muscles. Nutrient and oxygen-rich muscles feel light and airy rather than dense and heavy. When all or most of your muscles are relaxed, it is difficult to be in a sour mode. You literally feel light-weight.

Note: Breathing and sweating both cause the body to loose water. It is vital to sip water throughout the day to keep the joints lubricated.

Have you ever wondered why some people fall asleep during a massage? It is because massages decompress muscles, thus alerting the parasympathetic system to relax the body and mind. Muscle compression is especially a problem for individuals with anxiety, like myself. In my case, the sympathetic nervous system is overworked. When you almost perpetually live in flight or fight mode, muscle tension is a normality. Even those without generalized anxiety disorder can have trouble falling asleep due to daily frustration or anxiety aimed at the problems the next day could bring. This is why stretching before bed is helpful. It can put your muscles at ease and allow your parasympathetic nervous system to do its job. Just remember to breathe in slowly so that your muscles can be oxygenated. Pulling tight, sore muscles will only bring you pain.

In short, if you wish to decrease the amount of stress on your body, stretch it out!