I've wanted to start a stretching routine for a while to help with the accumulated tension, but... Okay, so none of my "buts" are that good. But (I know, I know) I do prefer to stretch alone so I can actually relax and not worry about getting jumped on or pushed over. Last week I came up with the perfect solution: stretch after bedtime. So, after getting Goen to sleep, I creep out of bed and, by the red glow of the heater's on/off switch, I stretch for a few minutes in the almost-darkness. My routine is short, simple, and very basic. Here's what I do:
- Big circles with my arms, first one way and then the other
- Arch and curve my back
- Reach for the sky
- Bend down, clasping my hands behind my back and stretching them towards my head
I do this a couple times through, breathing deeply the whole time, and then finish off with an all-body wiggle to shake it all out. Even though I try to keep my stretching silent, every once in a while there is a popping sound as something loosens up. Luckily, the sounds haven't woken Goen up (at least not yet). The stretches are more satisfying than I thought they would be given how little time it takes. I get to relieve a little stress and still be by my little guy in case he wakes.
Do you have a routine for dealing with tight muscles and tension? Anything that works especially well for you?