Stretch out - Before and After Your Workout

Though many people have heard it's important to warm–up befor a workout, far fewer know that stretching after a workout is equally as important. Whether you're going for a brisk walk or marathon run, when you finish, spend ten to fifteen minutes stretching out and sipping some water.

Stretching after a workout will increase your flexibility, improve the range of motion in your joints and improve your circulation.

When you strech, avoid bouncing. Instead, slowly lean into your streches until you feel it. Then hold that position for 10-15 seconds. Release the strech slowly. Remember to relax and breathe while stretching.

A healthy life is a balanced life

Good sleep and exercise can help cut down on stress. So can relaxing. Here's a technique called Fingers and Toes excerpted from Last Voice's Mantra of the Day Book on Life.

Lie on a blanket on the floor and turn the lights low. Put on some music that relaxes you. Close your eyes and take deep breaths.

Focus your consciousness on your body. Sense how it feels on the floor. Can you feel your head and shoulders lying on the blanket? Move that awareness around your body. Feel your arms, make them relax. Then feel your fingers and relax them. Move through your torso and down your legs and your toes. Let all your body weight sink down heavy and relaxed.

Taking a few moments to focus on yourself every day will sharpen your awareness and give you clarity in everything else you do.