Whether you’re about to exercise or just need a break from work, stretching is an effective solution for pain management and injury prevention. Do it before and after any strenuous activity or to keep your body nimble and refreshed if you’ve been sedentary for several hours. If you still need reasons to stretch your body every day, here are a few ways this healthy habit will benefit you.

5 Reasons to Stretch Daily

1. Gives You an Energy Boost

Because stretching boosts blood flow throughout your body, it helps you feel more awake and alert. Anytime you’re feeling droopy throughout the day, take a few minutes to stretch every body part that feels stiff. You’ll be able to return to your tasks with renewed stamina.

2. Optimizes Movement & Coordination

Stretching is crucial for pain management in every part of the body because it allows you to move around easier. Your joints and muscles will be looser and more flexible, and your performance in both athletics and everyday physical activities will be enhanced. Even your coordination may improve with regular stretching, making you less likely to trip or slip, or hurt yourself when you’re doing something strenuous like lifting a heavy object. 

3. Lowers Blood Sugar

Exercise in general can keep glucose down to healthy levels. Incorporating stretching into any workout regimen or just doing it by itself will help lower your blood sugar. It’s already been shown to have a positive effect on the blood sugar levels of people with type 2 diabetes.

4. Reduces Pain

If you have back or neck pain, stretching may provide an instant pain management solution. Increasing blood flow in the muscles helps tissue heal better and faster. Stretching exercises like head rolls may also relieve headaches caused by tension. This is helpful when you sit at a desk for a prolonged period and feel tense and stiff. 

5. Relieves Stress

When you’re stressed, your muscles tighten and become uncomfortable. Stretching releases the tension in these tissues while giving you a chance to calm your mind and become more aware of your body. Anytime you need to relax, stretch your arms or legs for a few minutes and see if that makes you feel better. 

For a chiropractor who will offer advice on stretching and other pain management techniques, head to The Healing Center in Anchorage, AK. As part of Dr. Leach’s chiropractic treatment plan, he’ll teach you to use stretching in a variety of ways for both everyday life and as part of your recovery from accidents or injuries. He also provides rolfing, massage therapy, and other treatments to reduce back and neck pain. Visit their website for more information about their services, or call (907) 561-7041 to schedule an appointment.