Faulty Remedies
Many of us turn to television to relieve the stress of the day. Our busy schedules can leave us feeling drained and sluggish and we turn to the endless variety of viewing options that bring glamour, drama and fantasy into our lives. But our “remedy” may leave us feeling more depleted than ever. Is there a way to be healthy without removing our enjoyment of the TV?
Solution
One solution is to do some gentle stretching while you watch TV. This can:
- increase blood flow,
- reduce risks of injury
- and improve your mood.
You can do many stretches from the comfort of your couch.
Start with your legs.
Your feet may already be propped up on the table in front of you. Simply reach for your toes until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your legs. This stretch can help relieve the tightness in your legs that can often lead to back pain.
Stretch Your Neck
Stretching your neck will relieve the tension you have built up throughout the day. Lean your head gently to the side as if you are trying to lay your ear down on your shoulder. You may choose to use your hand to gently pull your head to the side. Repeat this by leaning your head toward the opposite shoulder. Bring your head back to the center and lean your head forward as if you are trying to place your chin on your chest.
Finish by stretching your arms.
Raise your above your head and bend it at the elbow so that your hand is resting behind your neck. With your opposite hand, reach up and gently pull your elbow to the center of your body above your head. This will create a gentle stretch along the underside of your arm. Repeat this with the other arm.
By incorporating times of stretching into your TV viewing, you will be using your time of relaxing your mind to truly relax your body as well. Your body will be ready to sleep at the end of the evening and you will wake up the next morning feeling more refreshed than ever. That’s a smart use of TV time!
Photo by Paul Townsend https://flic.kr/p/fij5rW