September is National Yoga Month - a time to celebrate the mind-body connection and the power of movement to transform how we feel. While yoga is often praised for its benefits to physical, mental, and emotional health, many people don’t realize that stretching, especially when guided by a certified stretch practitioner, can offer powerful benefits, too. Though yoga and stretching share some similarities, they serve distinct purposes and can beautifully complement one another in your self-care routine.
YOGA VS. STRETCHING: Similar but Not the Same
Yoga is a centuries-old practice that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and often, meditation or mindfulness. Its goal isn’t just flexibility, it’s a union of body, mind, and spirit. With regular practice, yoga can improve strength, balance, posture, lung capacity, and stress resilience.
Stretching, on the other hand, focuses primarily on elongating muscles to improve flexibility, range of motion, and reduce muscle tension. When done properly, stretching can be extremely effective at addressing specific muscle tightness or imbalances that yoga alone may not fully resolve. Plus, when working with a certified stretch practitioner your muscles remain more relaxed so the practitioner will be able to help guide you into a deeper stretch than you can get on your own.
CERTIFIED STRETCH PRACTITIONER
While yoga often addresses general movement and flow, assisted stretching with a certified practitioner targets precise areas of tension and imbalance. Practitioners are trained in anatomy and flexibility techniques to help:
- Break up fascial adhesions that restrict movement.
- Increase joint mobility in ways you might not achieve alone.
- Release chronic muscle tension safely and gradually.
- Support recovery from physical activity, injury, or inactivity.
- Enhance posture by gradually increasing your range of motion and lengthening muscles that cause the body to hunch, tilt or slump.
- Reduce stress by allowing the entire body to release and relax. Some practitioners, like me, incorporate other holistic stress reduction measures, such as breathing techniques and essential oils.
For people who struggle with flexibility, experience chronic tightness, or simply want a guided and relaxing way to support their physical health, this kind of one-on-one stretching can be a game-changer.
MORNING STRETCH ROUTINE: Wake Up & Energize
Start your day with 5–10 minutes of mindful movement to get the blood flowing, loosen stiff joints, and set a positive tone for the hours ahead. Try the following:
- Standing Forward Fold
Bend forward with knees slightly bent and let your head hang heavy. This lengthens the spine and stretches the hamstrings. Breathe deeply. - Seated Spinal Twist
Sit tall with one leg bent over the other, twisting gently toward the top knee. This aids digestion and promotes spinal mobility. - Chest Opener Stretch
Stand in a doorway with arms at 90°, then gently lean forward to open the chest. This counteracts "tech neck" and improves posture.
Enhance It: Apply 1 drop each of
Peppermint and
Wild Orange essential oils in your palms, rub together, and inhale before starting. These oils uplift mood, stimulate alertness, and support circulation.
EVENING STRETCH ROUTINE: Wind Down & Decompress
After a long day, your body craves deep relaxation. Stretching before bed helps you release tension, reduce cortisol, and prepare for quality rest.
- Child’s Pose
Kneel and fold forward with arms outstretched. Let your forehead rest on the ground. This pose soothes the nervous system. - Happy Baby Pose
Lie on your back, bend your knees and grab the outsides of your feet. Gently rock side to side. This relieves lower back tightness and calms the hips. - Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
Place your legs up against a wall and lie flat on your back. Stay here for 5–10 minutes to boost circulation, lymphatic drainage, and relaxation.
Enhance It: Diffuse doTERRA
Adaptiv or
Serenity in your bedroom or apply to your pulse points. These oils promote a calm mind and restful sleep.
Incorporating stretching, yoga, or both into your daily routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, as shown above, just a few minutes in the morning and evening can dramatically improve how your body feels and how your mind functions.
If you’re new to movement or feeling stuck in your wellness journey, working with a certified stretch practitioner can offer safe, guided support. These sessions are not only therapeutic but relaxing, especially when paired with essential oils and breathwork.
This September, in honor of National Yoga Month, try something new or recommit to your body. Stretch, breathe, move, and feel the difference - one pose, one breath, and one stretch at a time.
xoDanette P.S. If you’re in Colorado (I’m not far from C-470 & Quebec) I’d love the opportunity to show you my
AromaStrech™ service. If you’re outside of Colorado, look for a reputable certified stretch practitioner near you.😉