Your challenge: Don’t save it for the seventh inning

This week’s self-care challenge for you is a bit of a stretch.

That’s it. Stretch. Stretch regularly and stretch with purpose.

It doesn’t even have to be part of warming up or cooling down from an exercise routine. Stretching has countless health benefits all by itself — from improving flexibility to increasing your energy and calming your mind.

There even are websites that explain the essentials of stretching as well as the myths and facts surrounding this essential activity.

Don’t think stretching is important? Come on. Even baseball is sure to carve out some time for its fans and players to stretch out in the middle of the seventh inning.

What really got Jennifer and me into stretching and experiencing its benefits was the MOVE! for Health at CMU. Second-year doctor of physical therapy students at Central Michigan University facilitate this weekly exercise class developed for people with Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

And, as Jennifer repeatedly says, “These students are AMAZING!” They take the time to work with each participant and adapt the exercise to their respective skill level. Stretching is a key component to many of the activities we do, and we always feel more energized throughout the day after class.

Seeing this, we are doing more stretching throughout the week. This is why our self-care challenge for you this is to join us and work more stretching into your daily activities.

Keep track of your progress by downloading the free Health Storylines app or visit healthstorylines.com to set up your free account. Then check out its tools such as “Routine Builder” which will help you to see how often you’re stretching and determine if you need to do more or less for your overall health.

And don’t forget to share your progress with us by posting photos to our Facebook or Twitter and use #selfcareMVMT