The benefits of including a daily stretch in your routine can make a world of difference in your life. If you find you are someone who struggles with flexibility, posture, or even stress, this is for you.

To learn some basic stretches, check out our post on flexibility stretching.

1. Flexibility

Regular stretching can increase your flexibility, which is important for your health. Improving your flexibility will help you perform everyday tasks with more ease. In addition, it can assist in delaying the decreased mobility that comes with aging.

2. Range of Motion

Range of motion decreases with age and a daily stretch can help delay this. being able to move a joint through its full range of motion will give you more freedom of movement. Building a complete range of motion is important for keeping up with daily tasks and keeping your body in the best condition possible.

3. Injury Prevention

Improved range of motion may help prevent injury because it allows you to move with ease when doing everyday activities. This is also possible when it comes to sports, where injury is common. Stretching daily allows you to keep your muscles balanced, so the risk of injury when completing these activities decreases.

4. Blood Flow

Performing stretches on a regular basis can improve your circulation. Improved circulation increases blood flow to your muscles, which can reduce muscle soreness. If you have muscle aches, stretching that area may be a solution to some of your trouble.

5. Decreased Tension

Stretching daily can reduce muscle tension and improve tightness. If you have tight muscles, or stress knots, stretching can help provide relief. In addition, if you suffer from tension headaches, stretching may be able to reduce the tension you feel from them when used in combination with mindfulness.

6. Stress Relief

Decreasing your bodies tension through stretching also has the product of stress relief. Stretching daily can help you relieve stress as it can give you a moment to relax and breathe. Giving yourself some quiet time each day to stretch gives you the opportunity to let out any stress you are carrying with you.

7. Improved Posture

Muscle tension and imbalances can lead to poor posture. Strengthening and stretching your muscles, and specifically your back muscles, can reduce back pain and encourage proper alignment. When stretching this area, focus on symmetry and only stretch to where you feel tension, not pain.