Want to Be Relaxed Before Bedtime? Stretch It Out!
By Stephen R. Farris
You've probably heard that exercising is good for you, in order to help keep your joints and muscles healthy. Walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are great ways to get in a low-impact workout, or you can beef it up with free weights or exercise machines if you are seeking a more intense workout.
The best time to workout is usually in the mornings, afternoon, or early evening. However, you probably don't want to wait just before bedtime to exercise, but you can do some stretching before snoozing off to dreamland.
Bear Hug Stretch
This stretch works the muscles in the upper back. It can also help cut down on the pain you might feel from poor posture, bursitis, or stiff shoulder.
Neck Stretches
If you are experiencing stiffness or pain in your neck, then try stretching it. Neck stretches can lessen pain in your head, neck, and shoulders, but make sure you are practicing good posture when performing them.
Kneeling Lat Stretch
This stretch will help relieve pain in your back and shoulders, by loosening up the muscles. You definitely don't want to try going to sleep feeling tensed up. This is a good stretch to try as it should help you relax more.
Child's Pose
Similar to the kneeling lat stretch, the child's pose incorporates a wide range of body parts; the back, shoulders, neck, and is generally a more relaxing stretch for your body.
Low Lunge
Low lunge stretches work your hips, groin, and thighs. It will help open up your chest area to help relieve pain, plus you'll feel more relaxed in your back and shoulders.
Seated Forward Bend
This stretch is designed to relieve tension in your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings.
Legs-up-the-Wall-Pose
This is another great stretch to help relieve tension and promote general relaxation in your back, shoulders, and neck.
This should help get you started to a relaxing night of sleep and waking up the next morning refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Remember, if you have questions about sleep, feel free to talk with your local chiropractor to find out tips and suggestions they may have. If you are under chiropractic care, chances are these stretches will be recommended -- and more -- to help keep you feeling good and helping promote your overall wellness. If you are feeling pain in your back, neck, and/or joints, your local chiropractor can help you out with those as well, by providing a hands-on, all natural approach to getting you well and back to a healthier, active, and vibrant lifestyle.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.