The importance of incorporating stretch breaks into your day

Once you dig into your work, it’s easy to get so focused on completing the task at hand that you ignore the signals from your body. You likely tell yourself that once you finish your objective, then maybe you will take a moment to take a break and acknowledge the signals that you’ve been pushing back.

However, if you become more proactive in recognizing those signals to stop and take a break to stretch when your body is telling you to, you’ll find that you’ll not only feel better, but will be more productive.

Here are three of the most significant benefits of taking stretch breaks throughout your day:

Stretching helps increase blood flow
and circulation

Incorporating regular stretch breaks throughout the day helps to improve blood flow and circulation. When this occurs, we transport more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout our body. As a result, our bodies can work more efficiently, which in turn allows us to work more productively.

Stretching helps reduce pain and stiffness

Excessive tension in our muscles can cause pain, stiffness, discomfort and can even lead to cramping. Incorporating static stretching on a regular basis can help to alleviate these symptoms and reduce their frequency and severity. When we do not have signals of pain, discomfort or stiffness routinely interrupting our thoughts, we are able to freely focus on our work.

Stretching helps decrease stress

Harboring chronic stress can lead to many undesirable responses in the body. Some of these responses include increased muscular tension, unusual feelings of fatigue and heightened feelings of anxiety. Incorporating regular stretch breaks throughout the day can help to combat these stress responses, especially when practiced with mindful breathing techniques. When our minds are not weighed down with extra stress and fatigue, we are able to be more productive.

For more valuable advice on staying well throughout the pandemic, and to stay connected to others, we encourage you to join the QuadMed Well-being Facebook group or subscribe to the QuadMed YouTube channel, where you can find exercise videos and more to keep you active, healthy and engaged.