They’re pretty straightforward to do, too. When you go into a stretch slowly and mindfully, it has a relaxation effect on muscles, helping us to improve our range of motion and reduce stiffness and tension.' 'Stretching has also been shown to increase serotonin levels which is the hormone with helps to reduce stress and make us feel good. This helps to balance our nervous system and slows down the heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure amongst other things, helping us feeling calmer and more connected.
Not only will they benefit the rest of your workout routine (whether it’s strength training, running, HIIT or Pilates you prefer) by improving your mobility and flexibility, yoga stretches will help relieve any tension and stress in your body.Īuthor of Yoga Happyand creator of the Hannah Barrett Yoga App, Hannah Barrett explains: 'When we perform yoga stretches with deep, slow and mindful breathing, it helps to activate our "rest-and-digest" system (the parasympathetic nervous system). Yoga stretches should be something you all aim to do.