Language
Country/Area
No result found
Potential Benefits of Stretching: How to Improve Mood and Cognitive Function?
Stretching is an exercise that intentionally stretches and deforms a specific muscle or tendon (or muscle group) with the goal of improving muscle elasticity and achieving comfortable muscle tone. This movement can bring about a feeling of increased muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion. Not only that, stretching is used as a therapeutic tool to help relieve spasticity and improve function in daily activities by increasing range of motion.
Stretching is not just a natural activity. It can also have a significant impact on mental health.
Benefits of Mood and Cognitive Function
Research shows that practicing stretching may reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, hostility, fatigue, and confusion, especially in individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle. These mood improvements are associated with increased cognitive function. For people who engage in sedentary activities for long periods of time, incorporating stretching into their daily lives appears to have significant benefits. Not only does it reduce physical tension, it also promotes mental health.
Regular stretching can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and increase energy.
Types of stretching exercises
Stretching exercises can be divided into static stretching and dynamic stretching. Static stretching is done without moving, while dynamic stretching involves movement of the muscles. Static stretching typically involves keeping a joint within its maximum range of motion, while dynamic stretching aims to increase blood flow throughout the body through slow and controlled active muscle contractions.
Effectiveness of static and dynamic stretching
Static stretching allows for better muscle isolation and a more intense stretch, while dynamic stretching helps improve blood circulation, thereby improving athletic performance. Research shows that both have a positive impact on flexibility, but dynamic stretching is more advantageous in improving athletic performance, such as running speed.
Static stretching may affect an athlete's performance in some cases, especially in sports that require explosive strength.
The connection between stretching and mental health
Psychological research shows that stretching can have a significant positive impact on mood. These effects are not only reflected in reduced feelings of anxiety and depression, but also in the ability to improve cognitive function. Incorporating stretching into your daily routine can effectively help people who often feel anxious and depressed, improving their social skills and mental agility.
Conclusion
With increasing emphasis on health and mental well-being, the potential benefits of stretching are receiving increasing attention. Should you start incorporating stretching into your day to change your mood and the way you think?
