Open Door Retreat

It may seem strange that something as simple as stretching daily could improve your life and aid you in the recovery process – but it can. If you’ve ever taken a Yoga class or committed to a workout routine, you know this to be true. However, most of us fall into the habit of stretching or exercising very little, even though we know it will benefit us.

Why Avoid Something That You Know Will Improve Your Life?

This is a complicated question to answer, and one that could take years. Instead of working on this answer right now, make a commitment right now to get out of your chair and do some deep stretching. Stretching helps to release toxins that are building up in your muscles, making you feel lethargic, stiff and dull.

Just a few moments of stretching can invigorate your body and mind, making you feel instantly more youthful, active, and confident. Our bodies were meant to move, stretch, and encounter resistance. Though it’s easier to be immobile, our bodies crave this activity.

Take Action

Here are a few simple stretching exercises you can do right now. If you’re not in an appropriate setting, bookmark this page for later or send yourself the link to open when you can try this activity.

Click to enlarge each diagram:

Courtesy of the University of Michigan Health Systems

Courtesy of the Northern California Neurosurgery Group

Importance of physical activity in the recovery process

Most any recovery program will include a program of physical activity. Though we may like to deny it, physical activity is one of the main components of physical and mental health, and health in these areas is one of the most important steps in the recovery process.

If it’s been a while since you’ve exercised on a regular basis, stretching is a fantastic way to get back into the good habits of physical movement. Once you get started, it feels great and will be something you’ll want to do each day, not something you’ll have to force yourself to do. The important thing is to commit to take action.