Live Whole Health #175: Body and mind reset with yoga

We often find ourselves performing the same motions each day, forgetting to move our joints and our bodies in all the ways they were designed to move. Stretching is known to improve joint health by increasing the range of motion in the joints, loosening tight muscles and ligaments, and resetting your posture.

Stretching can help with soreness that may result from too much sitting or spending time in one position for too long during the day, like what may happen when using the computer or watching TV.

By going through these gentle stretches, you will get movement through the shoulders, upper back, neck, low back, legs and hips. Enjoy the benefits of this simple yoga stretching routine which can be completed sitting or lying down on the floor with no equipment. In just about 20 minutes, a full body stretching routine is accomplished without even leaving your living room floor.

For those who have not stretched in a while, Katie Herring from VA New York Harbor Health Care System will guide you through a very simple routine. It is slow, gentle and can be done at your own pace. Cues for deep breathing and relaxation will encourage your tight muscles to relax.

Reduce stress and reset your mood

The use of yoga is also known to improve mood. Taking a break to stretch and relax can provide the reset you need to reduce your stress and help your body perform at its best. This routine can be performed daily. Once you start this stretching routine, you won’t want to go without it.