Stretching for your mind & body
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Feeling stressed or anxious? A good, long stretch may help you more than you realize. Stretching isn't just good for the muscles, it's a great way to relax your mind, and put you at ease.
Stretching reduces stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system, breaking cycles of worried thoughts, and releasing endorphins that improve mood. Regular stretching also reduces physical tension, improves sleep quality, and increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing overall emotional well-being
ABC-7 recently caught up with El Pasoan Glen Fuller, who started attending regular stretch session at "Stretch Zone," where relaxation and stretching are important business. Fuller says he was very active, but after injuring his back, was told he needed surgery. Instead, he went to Stretch Zone.
"This was really my last option," Fuller says. "I'm doing so much better than I was before the injuries that now I'm intentionally doing exercise to build strength, range of motion and flexibility I've gained back. This is my second home."
He credits a stretching regiment for not only helping him avoid that surgery, but to get his life back. He and his son play football, and he can now move around and participate, rather than standing on the sidelines.
"It's a lot of fun. I've lost weight because I'm not sitting around eating," Fuller adds.
Stretching can be done any time of day. Morning stretches boost energy, midday stretches can reduce stress, and evening stretches can promote relaxation and better sleep.
Stretch Zone regional manager Efren Tulido says whether you stretch with them, or at home, the key is consistency.
"Stretching can just make you feel better, give you more energy, sleep better better blood flow. a little better physically and mentally," Tulido says.
