Stretching is an activity that involves lengthening and extending the muscles.  It is something that is recommended we do as part of a warmup or cool down before or completing your physical training.

There are various reasons why you should stretch.  From a physical training point of view, stretching helps to elongate the muscles, so you maintain a certain degree of flexibility that improves physical performance.  It also helps your body to recover from a rigorous training session and helps the body to rid itself of toxic waste.

From a mental stress point of view, where people face a lot of stress in their personal professional lives, stretching can have a positive effect on their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

Stretching in the workplace can be used to better manage stress and maintain good posture, especially important when sitting at the desk for long periods.  Stretching before you go to bed can bring about a reduction in stress, improve relaxation and improve quality of sleep.

To optimise your physical and mental health, the best time to stretch is just before bedtime.  Have a shower before you go to bed, drink a protein shake, find a quiet place to stretch.  When you stretch, breathe in a slow, deep, and relaxed manner to help the muscles and your mind relax.  This will improve your quality of sleep and you will wake up the next morning energised and ready to go.

Click here for your Lazy Persons Guide to Stretching ebook.