I know it sounds cliche to say that working out will boost your mood but I will say it anyway. Working out will boost your mood. However, as a working woman with many things to do, perhaps a business to run and even children it may be hard to find the time for a full work-out.

No worries, in this article, I will share with you one tip to help boost your mood and may even get you working out more. I will also give you 5 ideas of places that you can get the work done; adding it seamlessly into your day. And, if you do work out on a regular, that’s fine too, it still works wonders.

You will not believe this but the one magic mood-boosting tip is stretching. That’s right a good stretch is all you need to; get your body moving and pick your mood up.

Two Benefits of a Good Stretch :

• Reduces Stress

According to Dr. Oz stretching stimulates receptors in the nervous system that decreases the production of stress hormones. Also, stretching allows you to relax contracted muscles thus relieving any tension you may be feeling. For instance, stress hormones often get trapped in your neck and shoulder muscles. So, a quick raise of your arms up over your head and then out in front of you will help to alleviate some of that tension.

• Increases energy levels and productivity

When you stretch, you increase your blood circulation. This means that more blood is flowing to your brain and your muscles which results in you feeling energized. I am pretty sure that after sitting at your desk all day, you start to feel tense when you try to get up. This happens because your muscles get too contracted to allow your body to feel good. A quick stretch will fix this. Stand and gently raise your hands above your head. Bend to your toes, slowly and then roll back up, continue stretching as you like.

Places that you can get stretching :

At the desk at work

Sitting for long periods can be hard on your body. If you are at work, you can get up and do a few quick stretches at your desk sitting or standing. If you work standing then even better you can get stretching as well. Here is a quick stretch that you can do at work:

• While sitting or standing, Try a posterior shoulder stretch:
  • Hold one arm across your body.
  • Pull your elbow into your chest,
  • you should feel your shoulder gently stretching.
  • Repeat on the other side.

In the bathroom on a mini-break

If you’d rather not be seen stretching at your desk then you can take a quick stroll to the bathroom and do any of the appropriate stretches listed in this article.

In the kitchen, while preparing dinner

You will be surprised at the number of things you can do while preparing dinner. Firstly you are already standing and if you love to cook it also means that you have music playing, so let have a stretch party. Here is a quick stretch for you to do in the kitchen:

• While standing, Try a side stretch :
  • place your right hand on the wall or counter, cross your left leg in front of your right leg, pointing your feet forward,
  • shift into the left hip and reach left arm up and over your head, creating a long line from the left ankle to the left fingertips.
  • Repeat on the other side.

In the Shower

This might be my favorite place to get a quick stretch in. Take a few minutes to make your body feel good. Here is a quick stretch for the shower:

• Heart opener:
  • Stand in the shower with feet together,
  • open your arms out to the sides, extend them a bit behind you,
  • place your palms on the wall and door of the shower then press your palms to the wall as you lean forward,
  • pulse to intensify or just hold.

In Bed

I know what your thinking, this sounds very lazy LOL. But it’s not, nothing wakes you up better than a quick morning stretch especially when you do it before getting off the bed. Try this:

• Deep breathing stretch:
  • lay with your legs extended,
  • place your arms on your stomach,
  • inhale deeply then exhale. Take your time here and relax.

Do something each day that makes your body feel good. Try these quick stretches and find more to add, make it a routine and continue to take care of you.

Article by Shanice from Faith n’ Turtles. Read more on her blog here. Check out more chances to get your workout on here.