Feeling tense and depleted at the end of a day doesn’t have to be the norm. You can use stretching exercises throughout the day, before and after every activity you perform, as a way of releasing stress and of getting back in touch with yourself.

• Driving your car today? Stretch before you get behind the wheel. Stretch as you drive. Take a deep breath and stretch your neck, your shoulders, your face. Adjust the position of your back frequently. On long distance drives, stop every hour or so for a stretch break.
• Office work? Try isometric contractions as you sit at your desk. Inhale, tighten the muscles in your arms, shrug your shoulders up, extend your elbows, and form a fist. Feel the tension mount from your fingers all the way up to your shoulders. Hold for a few seconds, then release completely. These exercises can be done with your shoulders, back, legs, or your whole body. And they can be done so subtly that nobody around you will know what you’re doing (unless you want to invite them to feel better, too).
• Use everyday activities as a way of stretching out. Instead of mindlessly reaching for that box on the top shelf, imagine that you are doing a stretching exercise. Take a breath. Move smoothly. Hold the maximum stretch for twenty to thirty seconds. When making your bed, do a series of stretches. You can be creative and have fun, literally making a dance out of everything you do.

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