Flex your freedom: How being flexible enhances your daily life as an active mum
Are you struggling in everyday life as a mum with your flexibility and wished you could do better?
If you answer YES to the above, you should continue reading this blog and find out how you can improve your flexibility in a few easy steps.
Flexibility is so important for how we move around, how we walk, sit and how we can take part in our kids active life. As an mum it’s crucial to be able to move around swiftly and being able to keep up with your kids. No matter age, flexibility is important for us all to stay healthy and avoid problems later on in life. You maybe haven’t thought too much about it before but what if I say a flexible body can help you navigate the physical demands of motherhood, reduce your stress and overall wellbeing, wouldn’t you like that.
Importance of flexibility
Flexibility decreases your risk of injuries and help your joints move in the full range of motion. Once your develop strength and flexibility in your body you’ll be able to withstand more physical stress, have less pain and improve your overall physical performance. Your flexibility change with age so it’s important to stay mobile and active now to build a good foundation so you avoid bigger problems later on.
Some key benefits of flexibility are:
1. Reduced risk of injuries
Flexible muscles and joints are less prone to injury. When your body can move through a full range of motion, you are less likely to strain or tear muscles, ligaments, or tendons during physical activities.
2. Improved posture and balance
Good flexibility supports proper posture. It allows your body to maintain alignment, reducing the strain on muscles and joints that can result from poor posture. Proper posture helps prevent chronic pain and discomfort.
3. Enhanced range of motion
Flexibility exercises increase the range of motion in your joints. This is particularly important as it helps with everyday activities like bending, reaching, and twisting. A greater range of motion makes these movements easier and more comfortable.
4. Stress reduction
Flexibility exercises, such as yoga and stretching, promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. They stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response that can help manage stress and anxiety.
5. Boosting your energy levels
Feeling fatigued is a common experience for busy moms. Flexibility exercises can increase blood flow, which, in turn, boosts energy levels. When you have more energy, you're better able to tackle your daily tasks and enjoy quality time with your children.
Although our modern lifestyle with lots of static movement, sitting for long in front of a computer does not help flexibility. Many people have bad flexibility as they don’t move a lot and our muscle don’t get the workout and stretch they need. You might get cramp easily or get pain in your back or neck if you sit too long which isn’t good in the long run and cause pain.
How can I improve my flexibility?
There are a few things you can do to improve your flexibility. Yoga is an excellent practice that can help with this. Constant practice can make a huge difference to how you move and feel in your body.
This quick flexibility sequence should only take about 10 minutes to complete and can be done during short breaks in your busy day. It can help you relieve tension, improve flexibility, and find moments of relaxation in your schedule. Remember to breathe deeply and listen to your body as you perform each pose.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana):
Stand tall with your feet together.
Roll your shoulders back and down, and relax your arms by your sides.
Take a few deep breaths, focusing on lengthening your spine and grounding your feet.
Forward Fold (Uttanasana):
From Mountain Pose, exhale and bend forward from your hips.
Try to touch the floor with your hands or reach for your shins, depending on your flexibility.
Relax your neck and hold for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in your hamstrings and lower back.
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana):
From Forward Fold, plant your palms on the ground and step back into a plank position.
Lift your hips up and back into an inverted V shape, forming a downward-facing dog.
Pedal your feet to stretch your calves and hamstrings.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana):
Lower your body to the ground from Downward-Facing Dog.
Place your palms beside your shoulders and gently lift your chest while keeping your pelvis grounded.
Press the tops of your feet into the floor and engage your back muscles.
Child's Pose (Balasana):
Sit back on your heels and lower your forehead to the floor with your arms extended.
Relax in this resting pose, focusing on deep breaths and releasing tension in your lower back.
Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana):
From Child's Pose, walk your hands forward while keeping your hips above your knees.
Lower your chest towards the floor and extend your arms, feeling the stretch in your shoulders and upper back.
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana):
Sit with your legs extended straight in front of you.
Inhale, lengthen your spine, and exhale as you fold forward from your hips.
Reach for your feet or shins, keeping your back as straight as possible.
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana):
Sit with your knees bent and the soles of your feet together.
Hold your feet with your hands and gently press your knees toward the floor.
Feel the stretch in your groin and inner thighs.
Thread the Needle:
Begin on all fours.
Thread your right arm under your left arm and lower your right shoulder and cheek to the floor.
Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.
Savasana (Corpse Pose):
Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs relaxed.
Close your eyes and take a few minutes to completely relax your body and focus on your breath.
Incorporating regular flexibility exercises into your fitness routine, such as stretching, yoga, or mobility exercises, can provide these benefits and contribute to a healthier, more active, and comfortable life. As you get wrapped up in the busy life of motherhood, taking care of your body's flexibility is not a luxury—it's a necessity. A flexible body can help you navigate the physical demands of motherhood, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. So, busy moms, remember that by dedicating a little time each day to flexibility exercises, you're not only investing in your physical health but also enhancing your ability to thrive amid the chaos and cherish the precious moments of motherhood. Your well-being matters, and a flexible body can be the answer to be thriving and feeling better as a busy mum.
