The “Dynamic Duo” Stretch—Must Try Today!
This move instantly boosts your mood
When depression, anxiety, or the mid-winter blues creep in, movement can feel like the last thing you have energy for.
That’s normal—especially in midlife, when your body and hormones are already asking a lot of you.
And yet, gentle, consistent exercise is one of the most powerful tools you have to support your mood and mental health.
👉 Movement boosts feel-good brain chemicals that naturally lift your spirits.
👉 It also gives your mind a break from worry by shifting your focus—if only for a few minutes.
This isn’t about pushing harder or doing more.
It’s about using movement as care, relief, and a small daily act of self-support—right when you need it most.
JUST ONE THING
On days that you’re not feeling like yourself, it might feel too overwhelming to do a long, complicated workout session.
Instead, focus on one move that is guaranteed to boost your mood.
Your JUST ONE THING to Boost Your Mood
Do a Full Body “Strong” Stretch
Did you know that the way you move your body can directly switch on your “happy hormones” 🌞?
Yep!
The right kind of movement doesn’t just burn calories or build muscle.
👉 It unlocks stiff, tight joints and boosts serotonin and dopamine, your body’s natural mood lifters.
This 👇 is one of my favorite moves because it lights up your entire body for maximum endorphin release.
While gently melting tension through the hips and shoulders—areas that often carry the weight of stress, anxiety, and emotional overload in midlife.
I like to call it a “strong stretch” because you walk away feeling stronger and more limber.
Give yourself permission to try this one today and feel the difference—for your body and your mind.
The Standing “Dynamic Duo” Stretch
- Step One—Hip Flexor Stretch & Chest Stretch: Plant one foot on a chair and press your hip forward. At the same time, reach your arms back and wide as you push your chest forward.
- Step Two—Hamstring and Shoulder Blade Stretch: Now, rock back onto your heel up the raised leg to get a hamstring stretch. While doing this, bring your thumbs together in front to stretch across your shoulder blades.
- Do 4 reps/side
Extra Tip: Rock dynamically between the two positions, then switch sides and repeat. Pause briefly and fully exhale in each position.
Did You Know...
- Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence and reverse a depressed mood.
- Building community around your workouts can bring a huge mood boost. While exercising at home is likely the most convenient, there are additional benefits to even just having a once-a-week meetup with a friend to get your workout done.
- Combining two mood boosting activities, like rocking out to music while exercising, can have an exponential effect on your mood.
Until next week... Be strong💪
