Stretching for Mental Health
Have you ever noticed that when you’re anxious or depressed your whole body feels tense? Anxiety and depression can cause the muscles to tense up, which can lead to pain and stiffness in almost any area of the body.
Stretching has been shown to increase serotonin levels, i.e the hormone that helps stabilise our moods, reduces stress, and overall makes us feel good. It is very important to not push yourself and instead ease into stretching. Passive stretching is the gentlest form where you allow gravity and relaxation to do the stretching.
Participation question:
Do you stretch on a regular basis?
If not, do you think you could benefit from integrating a stretching routine into your daily life?
Helpful Videos:
5 Minute Full Body Stretch
Helpful Resources:
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
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@amiablePeace77
Do you stretch on a regular basis? I do an exercise class Mon Weds Friday that is half stretching and a yoga class. I also stretch first thing in the morning before I jump out of bed.
@soulsings
Good to keep your body and mind flexible. Seems you're doing a great job 👍
@amiablePeace77 I do this😁 every morning one of my carers helps me to do gentle stretches the doctor gave me to do ❤ it's only very basic stuff, but I feel so much better after it. Especially in the summer, go watch the sunrise, then do stretches and gentle exercises take a cold shower. It's like the greatest morning routine evvvverrr ❤❤
@Tinywhisper11
Watching the sunrise and then do stretching sounds beautiful! I believe the most important thing with stretching is to really do it regularly
I really need to stretch more. I started to stretch before I got out of bed - I had a whole nice morning routine, but I've been very lazy and instead of focusing on my well-being, I was focusing on anxiety and work and lots of negative vibes.
@thoughtfulmomma elven after work a warm shower and stretching can be relaxing.