Stretch on 7

Quick Win

A little bit of movement after a whole lot of sitting does wonders for body and mind.

Try This Today

1. Watch for the 7s. Every time you notice a 7 — on a clock, your watch, a computer or TV — take a one- or two-minute stretch break. Aim for seven a day.
2. Try a crescent moon. Stand with your feet apart, arms at your sides. Then inhale and sweep your left arm toward the ceiling, palm facing right; exhale as you reach with your fingertips and lean your torso to stretch the whole left side of your body. Hold the stretch for at least 15 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.
3. Mix it up. There are lots of ways to stretch standing, seated or lying down. Try shoulder rolls, walking lunges, arm circles, torso twists or a head-to-toe stretch. 

Why

Baseball fans know the power of the seventh-inning stretch: It feels good to rise from that seat and get your blood flowing. So why not add a few rejuvenating stretches to your day, using the number 7 as a fun reminder? Combining stretching with slow, deep breathing is a great way to relax and lower stress, says Jessica Matthews, associate professor of integrative wellness at Point Loma Nazarene University in California. Stretching can also improve flexibility, making it possible for you to move with ease, according to the National Institute on Aging.