Stress Relieving Stretch

Photo by T. Juco

So many of us tend to take our stress (be it emotional and/or physical) into our necks and shoulders without realizing it until we experience stiffness and ensuing headaches. This gentle stretch targets those key muscles involved in the tension felt in the sides, back of the neck and leading down into the upper back and shoulders. Stand or sit tall; looking straight ahead, drop your right ear to your right shoulder and simultaneously push your left hand away from you. Using your right hand, increase the intensity of the stretch by VERY gently pulling your head closer to your shoulder. Hold this while breathing normally for 15- 30 seconds.

Photo by T.Juco

From this position, rotate your head so that you are now looking into your right armpit. You should now feel the stretch more towards the back of the neck and moving down into your shoulders and upper back. Again you can intensify this by using the right hand to pull from the left, back part of your head toward your right armpit. Hold this while breathing normally for 15-30 seconds. Repeat both on the other side.

Notes: Keep the opposite arm straight and the hand flexed as you “push” away. Your stretch should not be more intense than a 7 out 10.

Easier: Just allow gravity and the weight of your head do the stretching; do not increase the intensity with your hand.