Netflix and Stretch
In the last post we discussed stretching on the job, which, when done correctly, should not get you in trouble with the boss. However, more humans than ever are seeking out electronic entertainment from the comfort of the couch, which means that after a day of trauma in the workplace, the spine is subject to overly-plush couches or outdated recliner chairs which offer virtually no real support for the spine. The same principal applies at home: to prevent premature spinal degradation, we must be proactive to preserve a comfortable range of motion in the joints of the spine. A great way to do this is with simple yoga poses that can be performed in your living room during your next Netflix marathon.
One of the most basic yoga moves is child’s pose, a full body exercise which:
- calms the mind and body
- Enhances respiratory function
- Increases circulation
- Eases anxiety and stress, both physical and mental
- Lengthens and stretches the spine, relieving tension in the neck and back
- Stretches the hips, thighs and ankles.
As you are sitting through hours of television, you may not be aware of the tension accumulating in the different parts of the back. Break this tension with the child’s pose:
- Kneel on the floor with knees touching and buttocks resting on your heels.
- Inhale deeply
- Exhale and rest your torso over your thighs, touching forehead to ground.
- Lift buttocks slightly and stretch arms out over the head.
- Touch your palms to the floor until you feel a stretch in the shoulder blades.
Hold this position for as long as feels comfortable. Try 1 minute at the end of every hour spent sedentary. We promise you will feel a difference. At Haynes Chiropractic, we want to help you unlock the secrets of spinal longevity and greater well-being. Being disciplined about stretching is a great place to start, especially if you have the advantage of an already “healthy spine.”
Dr. Jeffrey Haynes, D.C.