Stretches for the
Afternoon

Why is it important to stretch in the afternoon?

Most of us have been one of two ways most of the day: either running around all day or seated at a desk for a long period of time.

Stretching in the afternoon helps you increase energy and build stamina for the rest of your evening---it helps us avoid the 3:00 slump. Also, it gives us a chance to let go of the details of the day before we face the rest of our day.

THE STRETCHES:

1. Breath of Joy (Stand in Mountain Pose---tall, with feet shoulder width apart, arms relaxed at your side. Breathe the arms up to the sky, bring the arms down, straight out in front of you, bring arms back up to sky, and release down to the side of your body.)

2. Chair (to elevate your heart rate by using legs and buttocks)

3. Chest/Shoulder stretch (Option: Supported Forward Fold---standing with bent knees)

4. Supported Down Dog (To stretch the backside of the body)

Why do our bodies feel different throughout the day?

Our bodies are full of different rhythms throughout the day---times when they’re active and inactive. Studies have shown that:

1. Our spine is a better shock absorber in the morning than the evening, while the strength of your back muscles increases as the day progresses.
2. Our joints are stiffest early in the morning and most flexible late in the afternoon
3. Our airways are open to the fullest extent at 4pm.