The KYDRA Club

Your Guide To Stress-Free Days & Relaxation

If these past two years have taught us anything, it's that we need to find ways to cope with the ever-increasing stresses that this “new normal” has brought.The erratic work schedules, distractions working from home and general uncertainty, caused our mental and physical health to take a bit of a beating during this time. All this was a good reminder to be kinder to our minds and bodies. 

It’s time to shake off the pandemic blues, get up and stretch our way to happy days! 

Take a load off

Never has it been more necessary to be able to relax and unwind, as it is now. The mental load we carry today have our minds and bodies tied up in knots! And if we can’t relax and unwind, even leisure activities can soon become a source of stress, and no one wants that.

Being able to relax helps us to focus and be more productive all around. It makes for happy people. So if we can stretch our way to happiness and relaxation while sneaking in a bit of low impact exercise, we say let's flex our arms, stretch our legs and turn heads!

What’s in a stretch?

Stretching has many benefits, both physically and mentally.

#1: Increasing flexibility and posture

Considering how much time we spend online and sedentary, it's no wonder our muscles are tense. The lack of movement and the often hunched positions we adopt all take their toll on our bodies. Stretching will ensure that the muscles don’t become stiff and help us maintain correct posture.

#2: It relieves stress and calms the mind

At the first signs of stress and anxiety, our bodies tense up as a physical response. Stretching can help with releasing some of that stress and help calm our nerves. Combined with meditation, it can have a remarkable effect in helping you to find your zen state and handle stress.

Stretching increases blood flow and endorphins to the muscles. These “happy hormones” leave you feeling happier and calmer. What's not to like about that?!

#3: Prevents injury

We’ve talked about this earlier; stretching before and after a workout is an absolute must if you don’t want to be left limping around in pain the next day. It also helps our bodies perform at their optimal best when our muscles are nice and limber.

#4: Encourages sleep

Working 9-5, staring at a screen, at a desk all day, is a recipe for stiff, sore muscles, especially in the neck, back and shoulder region. A good stretching session before you sleep will help relax and relieve tension before sending you off into sweet slumber!

#5: Boost energy levels

While, on the one hand, a good stretching routine can send you to sleep, there are a few quick stretches that can boost your levels of energy if you feel that afternoon slump creeping in after lunch! A few minutes of stretching can give you an immediate burst of energy and help you focus and make it through that dreaded midday hump.

#6: Alleviate aches and pains

Feeling like you’re too young to have aches and pains? A lack of flexibility can also cause those pesky little creaks and niggling pains. When the muscles surrounding joints are tense, they can cause unnecessary tension, pulling them out of alignment. Regular stretching can help with this, thankfully!

Are all stretches created equal?

The answer is not really. There are many types of stretching routines and techniques you can try, depending on your needs. The main ones are:

Dynamic Stretching

Dynamic stretching is where the muscles are in active movement during stretching but not holding the stretch in position. You perform these stretches before a workout - warming up the muscles. Gentle dynamic stretches are also the best to get you up and out of bed feeling ready for action!

Static Stretching

Static stretching is what you do after your workout (cooldown), where you hold the stretch in position for about 10-30 seconds. Stretches such as Child Pose and a gentle Supine Twist help muscles to relax and reduce injury. This is also ideal for helping induce sleep for a restful slumber!

Active Stretching

Active stretching is a type of static stretching where there is no external force involved. Give active stretching a try with either a Low Lunge or the Pigeon Pose where you use one muscle group to stretch another and are actively stretching. 

Passive Stretching

This type of dynamic stretch is where you are being stretched through an external force such as bands, a partner, or even gravity.Pilates, Yoga and Barre programmes include combinations of dynamic and static stretching as an exercise form.

More Stretching, Less Stressing!

So gear up in your comfy Kydra wear, and stretch your way to a calmer, more relaxed you! The Kyro leggings, t-shirts, tanks and sports bras are the perfect gear for these gentle moves. The soft, flexible, seamless fabric is ideal for this type of low impact movement. In this humid climate, the bonus of quick-drying technology makes this the perfect activewear.

Whether you are beginning your day with some stretching to put a spring in your step, taking a Pilates or Yoga class, or winding down at the end of the day with some gentle movements to help you sleep better, do it in style and comfort. 

There is more to stretching than just warming up and cooling down, so go ahead, and stretch your troubles away!

General Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of KYDRA. Any content provided by our writers are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual and more.