Thread the needle
It's something we do innately when we wake up or have been sitting for too long. We reach out our arms. We arch our backs. We move our necks around. But the step that many of us could be missing from our wellness efforts is stretching.
"Everyone understands the relief that stretching can bring, but what they may not realise is that by committing to regular and focused movements, there is so much more to gain," explains former winter Olympian snowboarder Steph Prem, who is now a Pilates coach. "Not only will you decrease your risk of injury when you do exercise, you can also help lengthen contracted muscles, which is what leads to soreness."
Perhaps the best thing about stretching is that nearly everyone can participate. In starting a regular stretching practice for 5-10 minutes, it will not only help you be present in the moment, but it can improve your physical and emotional wellbeing over time. It's something we do without thinking, but when you combine deep, mindful breathing with specific movements, you calm your mind and body.
"People will be familiar with the feeling of a deep breath helping you relax more deeply into a stretch, but this deep inhaling and exhaling is also relaxing your entire nervous system, which is why the combination of these two simple things can improve everything from the quality of your sleep to your stress response and energy levels."
STRETCH ONE
JUST BREATHE
Mindful breathing allows you to cultivate inner balance and calm your senses.
This story is from the September 19, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 19, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills