MY FAVORITE HINTS AND TIPS TO
HELP TAKE CARE OF YOU!
Do you have a tennis ball handy? These are great to place between yourself and the wall and press back on. You can roll them up and down the sides of your spine by bending your knees. This will get into those tight areas that you can not reach otherwise.
If you are experiencing low back pain you can lean over a rounded chair or up against your counter right above your hip bones. By pressing gently, you can release your abdomen muscles which will help considerably with the low back pain. Do this gently and slowly. I find this really helpful with people who are unable to lie flat on their backs without bending their knees.
Do you have rounded shoulders? Your pecs are most likely pulling you down and in. Clasp your hands behind your back and with a down and out movement, you will roll your shoulders backwards making your shoulder blades touch. Hold this position for at least 2-5 minutes, if you are able. If not, work up to it. You will find the stretch gets easier as you do it and your rounded shoulders will go away.
Stretching takes care of most of our muscles aches and pains. I suggest stretching at night before you go to bed. Your muscles are already warmed up from the day and stretching them out before you go to sleep allows them to cool down in a lengthened state.
Painful forearms? Stretch arms out in front of you with palms pushing forward and fingers coming back toward you. You can do this up against a wall if it is really tight until it begins to loosen. Once in this position, slowly open your arms out. As you spread your arms open you will notice the stretch reaching farther up the arms. Go as far as you can and the longer you can hold it the better.
