Foam Rolling: Roll over your sore spots to relieve tension and stimulate blood flow. Breathe deeply: If you’re wincing and panting, you’re rolling too hard. (Learn more at “On a Roll.”)
Static Stretching: Static stretches are best following a workout to cool down and unwind, or during the day as desired, after a dynamic warm-up. Breathe deeply, easing yourself into each stretch on the exhale for 30 seconds to two minutes. (For stretching ideas, visit “Smart Stretching.”)
Cold Therapy: You can use the chill to increase circulation by immersing yourself in an ice bath, taking a cold shower, or slipping into a cryotherapy tank cooled with liquid nitrogen. (Learn more at “Expert Answers: Cold Conditioning for Athletes.”)
Massage: A professional massage can help ease muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and provide comfort through touch. (Learn more at “Mmm, Massage: Surprising Ways Massage Heals the Body and Mind.”)
Yoga: The one-two combo of deep breathing with body-awareness-building postures (asanas) is a powerful relaxing, focusing, and mind-clearing tool.
Meditation: Meditate solo or choose from a variety of guided classes, online and in person, to lower heart rate, improve focus, and alleviate stress. (For tips on beginning a daily practice, check out “Beyond Meditation.”)
This originally appeared in “Some Recovery Required” in the July/August 2019 print issue of Experience Life.
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