Reduce Holiday Stress with Exercise

By Lynnis Woods-Mullins, owner of PraiseWorks

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives in today’s hustle and bustle world. While everyone experiences stress in one degree or another, the manner in which stress affects individuals varies with one’s ability to cope. Small lifestyle changes can help relieve stress. Incorporate stretching into a daily routine to help alleviate stress.*Shrug your shoulders up and down ten times. repeat this three times to get the blood glowing in the should and neck areas*Roll your neck forward, starting with the the right side, moving towards your chest and stopping at the left side. Repeat ten times each way, for a total of twenty.*Stretch your shoulder blades by gently pulling one arm across yourchest with the other rm. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds, and repeat with the other arm.*Clasp your hands in front of you, palms facing out. Push your palms away from you to stretch your shoulder blade area.*Clasp your hands behind your back and raise them towards your head. This stretch will be felt in the upper arm and front shoulder.*Stretch your back. Gently turn your back side to side, being careful not to over rotate. Bend over, keeping your back straight, and wrap your arms around your legs. Hold on to your legs while you arch your lower back.*Bend over and try to touch your toes to stretch your legs. Stretch your quads by pulling your foot behind you and hold it for 20 seconds. 
Brisk walking, dancing, working with weights , resistant band training, yoga , pilates, and swimming are also excellent ways to exercise and reduce stress.

Make sure you consult with your Doctor before taking on a regular exercise regime.