Stretch for healthier skin

I remember it as if it were yesterday: in the 70s, I was in the same class as Ida and was visiting her one afternoon when I saw her mum doing yoga in the living room. I feel as though I was standing behind a doorframe, peeking at her as she did her stretches, completely fascinated. Little Mette had never seen anything like it before…
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I, on the other hand, always watched our cat Kissi stretch after a nap, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and cats aren’t the only ones who always start with a patient stretch. Videnskab.dk writes, “It’s seen in almost all animal species – our best friend, the dog, stretches its front paws forwards and arches its back, and even fish spread and wave their fins when they wake up.”

So perhaps, on this point at least, we should learn from the animals, because something so instinctively pleasant and healthy for the body can easily be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Why? 

When I write an article about stretching, it’s in the hope of inspiring you to start remembering to do it when you wake up, but also throughout the day as a little mini-break. It’s the best DO YOU to prioritise the many little things we can do to create that vital connection with ourselves.

When we stretch, it has a positive effect on our nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles and connective tissue. It increases flexibility in our muscles and releases the hormone endorphin. Endorphins help give us a feeling of happiness, and they provide energy and a sense of well-being. I’d like to ask for that as a starter before breakfast, please.

There are many good reasons to stretch, but perhaps most importantly, it feels so good.

Below, I’ll explain why stretching and movement are really good for connective tissue. The health of our connective tissue is, in fact, a crucial factor in how our skin looks. 

The skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutis. The dermis consists mainly of connective tissue, also known as fascia, which is primarily made up of collagen and elastin fibres. 

Normally, connective tissue repairs and renews itself to maintain elasticity and suppleness, but as we age, these natural repair processes cease, and the connective tissue gradually loses its elasticity. This process is, incidentally, greatly accelerated by the sun’s UV rays (netdoktor.dk).

What is fascia?

Fascia, also known as the body’s connective tissue, is the tissue that binds our muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels together. When the body has healthy fascia, we become more supple and flexible.

Benefits of keeping fascia healthy include improved blood circulation and increased body symmetry. Some of the positive effects on the skin include a reduction in stretch marks and cellulite, as well as the breakdown of scar tissue.

Unhealthy fascia can be caused by several factors, but one of the main culprits is an excessively sedentary lifestyle with a lack of movement, as well as poor posture. Other factors that can contribute to unhealthy fascia include muscle strain, stress and dehydration.

Read the article “STAY HYDRATED – drink water”

How can I keep my fascia healthy?

You can keep your fascia healthy by stretching every day. This can be done by incorporating stretching exercises into your daily routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated; for example, you could start the day with a gentle morning stretch.

You can then adapt your stretching exercises as needed. You may find you need to stretch after a long day at work or before bedtime.

Posture and movement are two other factors that play a role in maintaining healthy fascia. It’s important to focus on correct posture and ensure you don’t slouch. Movement is one of the easier factors. Movement doesn’t necessarily have to mean exercise; a brisk walk in the fresh air will do.

Read the article “Why daylight is so important for you”

I’d like to warmly recommend starting your morning by stretching like your favourite animal… just sitting on the edge of the bed and gently waking up both your body and your mind.

All the best