Publisher's Synopsis
The ability to manage your body through stretching is a valuable tool to have when it comes to our physical and mental wellbeing. Stretching is a natural way to alleviate pain, relax, gain mobility, tone your muscles, and even lose weight. It also helps you fall asleep faster, wake up rested and full of energy, clear your mind, and keep you focused.
We all understand how fast-paced life has become and how technological advancements have changed our daily routines and made us more inclined to sit all day. Furthermore, the COVID pandemic has changed the world as we know it even more, and though we find it very comfortable to work from home with nothing but pajamas on, it's taking a toll on our bodies. Slowly but surely, we realize that we can't touch our toes, we groan and moan when we try to get out of bed, when we need to pick up something from the floor, we try to do it with our feet because bending over seems impossible, and crossing our legs is a challenge. That downward dog position has become our worst enemy.
So why do we put ourselves through this, knowing what our bodies can achieve? Each one of us has the potential of improving, and by regularly stretching, we can become a much better version of ourselves.
Stretching is not just about gaining flexibility. It is also a way to focus and find your center, practice concentration, learn how to ignore the outside world for a few minutes, and make time just for yourself. It is also a good way to improve your circulation, which in turn leads to a stronger immune system. When it comes to stretching, it is also important to remember that the stretch itself should be the focus of your attention, not the number of repetitions or how far you go. Moreover, stretching is a waste of time if you don't do it in the right position. By not paying attention to this, you will not only not gain any benefits, but improper stretching can cause injury and pain.
So you must be objective about your strength and flexibility and know your body's abilities and limitations. When we talk about stretching, many of you would think that it's easy and simple, but in fact, stretching can be an intense physical exercise, so while some of the stretches are easy, others can be challenging. What is important to remember, however, is that giving up is not an option.
Sometimes it takes time to get your body into the right position, and some of the poses can require some patience, but still, if you go with your own pace, stay disciplined, and stay focused, you will see your body changing in ways you could never have imagined. These changes don't always manifest in the mirror, but rather in the ease you feel as you go through your everyday activities, the peace of mind you achieve, and the overall quality of your life.So, let's dive in!
