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Yoga's relaxation techniques for stress include stretches that enhance flexibility

Do you ever stretch your muscles when you first wake up? If so, you probably know that it's a pleasant feeling to elongate your arms and legs after a long night of sleeping. If you think about it, the same goes for stretching after a whole day of sitting in your office at work. Your muscles may be tight after remaining in one position for so long. Taking the time to loosen up is one of the most effective stress management tips, according to yoga enthusiasts.

The Huffington Post reports that stretching your hamstrings may be especially important. These muscles are often a common source of injuries and may even contribute to lower back pain.

"Tight hamstrings tend to flatten the lower back, causing people to lose the normal curve of the lumbar spine," physical therapist and yoga instructor Julie Gudmestad told the news source. "When the hamstrings are tight, it tends to lock the pelvis, so it doesn't move as freely. As a result, many yoga practitioners end up overworking their low back."

Staying limber is crucial to preventing aches and pains, particularly if you are elderly. Losing flexibility may often mean a reduced range of motion, which can keep you from performing the daily movements that you might be taking for granted now.

Millions of Americans practice yoga on a regular basis. This holistic mind-body regimen is one of the best ways to enhance the body's flexibility. The program includes relaxation techniques for stress that help alleviate tension in addition to enhancing strength and stamina.

Try this simple exercise that focuses on the hamstrings:

1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
2. Reach your arms skyward before slowly lowering your hands.
3. Roll your torso forward and touch your toes. Hold for a count of 20 seconds.
4. Release, and repeat 10 times. 

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Tags: relaxation techniques, relaxation techniques for stress, stress management, stress management tips

This entry was posted on Friday, August 19th, 2011 at 6:42 am and is filed under Yoga Classes. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.