Stretching for Stress Relief

1. StretchingforStress Relief A BodyMend Wellness Clinic Presentation Facilitator: Rob Rossi, Active Care Specialist, Personal Trainer November 2013

2. AGENDA • Stress and Your Health • Benefits of Regular Stretching • Simple & Effective Stretches to Relieve Stress (Demonstration/Interactive session) • BodyMend Wellness Clinic Resources

3. STRESS… What is yours? We experience stress everyday: • Home • Workplace • School • Community When not relieved, it can negatively affect our health, potentially leading to long-term health issues

4. Stress and Your Health Stress can create: • Prolonged muscle tension • Restriction of mobility, flexibility, range of motion – leading to increased risk for injury • High levels of cortisol levels in the body – leading to a compromised immune system, and increased risk for mental health issues such as depression

5. So what to do? Take Personal Action… STRETCH

6. Benefits of Regular Stretching • Increases blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the body • Helps to flush toxins from the body

7. Benefits of Regular Stretching • Relaxes tight muscles • Helps maintain flexibility and range of motion • Improves balance and coordination

8. Benefits of Regular Stretching • Encourages release of endorphins, or “feel good” hormones • Relieves mental stress

9. Take ACTION Be pro-active and protect your health • Learn and practice stretching techniques • Make stretching a regular part of your health maintenance.

10. Additional Resources • Consultation with our Physiotherapist • Consultation/exercise program development with our Active Care Specialist/Personal Trainer • FREE Comprehensive Health Assessment • Article on Stretching for Stress Relief • Print resource: Simple & Effective: Stretches for Stress Relief