Are you tight and stiff when you wake up in the morning? How about during the day after sitting at your desk or in the car for a while? You don’t have to live with that stiffness! Just stretch 5-10 minutes (at least) per day and you’ll see a big difference in your flexibility and range of motion because stretching stimulates the production of certain chemicals that ultimately lubricate the soft tissue around the joints. Begin each day with a stretching and breathing routine. Stretch before every physical activity or exercise. Stretching improves dexterity and coordination. Stretching helps prevent injury and becomes more important as you age. Don’t bounce or jerk, but slowly stretch every major muscle group. Practice deep breathing while you stretch; get into a stretch and hold it while you take two 10 second inhales and exhales through your nostrils.