Stretching is a very overlooked aspect of overall self care. Even if you are not exercising stretching can be a big help no matter if you’re doing a physical job or if you’re sitting down a lot. If you are in a job where you are sitting more often than not, you may find that stretching can help you avoid pain from being in the wrong position if you’re still trying to train yourself out of slouching.
Our youngest daughter had this to say about her experience as a “hopeless choir nerd” as she puts it. “I recently realized how much I need to start stretching before performances. Between the fact that your body is your instrument and also standing in one place for an extended time, it can have a rough effect on your back, especially if you were already tense before for any reason. If you’re singing correctly, too, your low back can also be sore after a performance.”
So why is self care important? One reason is that “it helps reduce tension throughout the body; therefore, offering a form of relaxation” (1). There can be aspects of our day that can require physical exertion no matter how you look at it. From doing laundry, to doing other chores throughout the house such as dishes.
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