Five Stretches to Help You Unwind During Travel

Whether you’re on a long flight or a never-ending road trip, sitting for so many hours will have your body feeling all sorts of knots when you’re finally free. Work out the kinks and keep your sanity during travel with these simple stretches. Take several long, deep breaths and get ready to change the way you travel.

Create movement in your neck by sitting up straight with your spine straight and your pelvis tucked in. Using your left hand, tilt your head towards the left shoulder, keeping your eyes straight ahead and giving the right side of your neck a good stretch. For extra leverage, stretch your right arm down as you do this. Repeat on the other side.

Loosen up tension in your neck and upper back with five slow neck rolls, beginning clockwise. Take your time, breathing while you stretch and lingering on those spots that feel tightest. Finish with five shoulder rolls and then go counter-clockwise.

Get stress out of those nooks and crannies. While sitting upright in your seat, cross your right leg over your left. Gently place your left hand on your right knee, inhale and twist. As you look over your right shoulder, exhale and take a few deep breaths before switching sides.

Bring movement to your hips and thighs. While sitting and inhaling, bring your right ankle to your left knee. Press down gently and exhale. Repeat for five breaths and then switch to the other side.

At a rest stop or your next walk to the bathroom, give your quads a stretch. Stand straight with your pelvis tucked in and bend your right leg behind you. Hold your right foot with your left hand and pull your foot gently towards your butt. Hold for several breaths and then switch sides.