3 Stretches to Keep You Balanced!
Updated: Sep 13, 2021
Although the pandemic has worsened a lot of our health situations; sore necks and back pain from sitting all day was a pretty common occurrence even before COVID-19. Being hunched over a keyboard or textbook all day can cause rounding of the shoulders leading to neck, shoulder, back pain and poor posture!
One of the ways we can combat this occurrence is by completing stretching each day to relieve the pressure and reset our positioning in our body.
Below are three stretches you can do daily which can increase flexibility, loosen muscles and increase posture.
The Cat-Cow Pose
Instructions
Begin on your hands and knees with your back straight and a neutral spine. As you inhale and move into "cow pose", lift your pelvic bones upward, press your chest forward and allow your belly to sink.
Lift your head, relax your shoulders away from your ears, and look forward straight ahead of you.
As you breath out, come into the "cat pose" while rounding your spine outward, tucking in your tailbone, and drawing your pelvic floor forward. (Much like a cat does when they are stretching after a nap!)
Slowly lower your head toward the floor, making sure not to force your chin to your chest.
This stretch allows you to easily switch between two different beginner yoga poses that aid in flexibility of the back, neck and spine.
While completing this stretch make sure you take the time to relax, as we often do not have the time to. Focus more on the fluidity of the movements rather than how many you can complete!
Cobra Stretch
Instructions