5 Stress-Busting Stretches to Ease Your Way Into the Holidays

There I said it – “the holidays.” That magical time of year when mere mortals battle time constraints, financial strain, high expectations, social overload, family dynamics, emotional triggers, and travel stress, all culminating with a negative impact on your health.

Small doses of stress help us rise to the challenge by making us more alert, focused, and energetic. But balancing personal and professional obligations, especially at this time of year, can throw things out of whack and cause adverse symptoms such as aches, pains, and stiffness. Research has shown that people in high-stress environments (like the holiday season) experience chronic shortening of neck and shoulder muscles from holding their bodies tensely. What’s a human to do? Prioritize self-care. Schedule downtime, stay active, maintain healthy habits, and try these stress-busting stretches:

5 Easy Stretches to Relieve Stress

Neck release

1. Begin sitting tall with your back and neck straight.
2. Slowly tilt your head towards your left shoulder and hold the stretch for 10 seconds.
3. Repeat on the right.

Shoulder rolls

1. Stand with your arms hanging limp at your sides.
2. Slowly trace large circles with your shoulders by rotating them forward and backward in a smooth motion.
3. Repeat each movement five times.

Reach for the sky

1. Begin by standing tall with your back and neck straight.
2. Reach overhead with palms facing together.
3. Breathe in as you slowly bend to the left hold the stretch for 10 seconds.
4. Return to center and repeat on the right.

Lower body blast

1. Begin by standing tall with your back and neck straight.
2. Hold onto the back of a chair for support while you slowly bend at the knees.
3. Repeat 10 times.

Open wide

1. Slowly open your mouth wide and stretch your jaw muscles.
2. Repeat five times.

Start the holiday season off right. Taking care of your health is the greatest gift you can give yourself. We’re here for you.

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