During these difficult times, you may feel physically stressed. Inactivity and being sequestered at home can cause muscles to constrict and tighten. Simple stretching can make you feel better and has many other health benefits, including reducing stress and relieving body aches.

According to Healthline, here are some ways a daily stretch routine can improve your life:

1. Increases flexibility. Flexibility is crucial for overall health. It helps you perform daily tasks more easily and staves off aging.
2. Increases range of motion. Being able to move freely allows the body to function at its best and prevents injuries. Many people get hurt simply reaching for an item on the top shelf because their muscles are tight.
3. Increases blood flow throughout the body. According to Healthline, studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that stretching increases circulation and is especially important for those with heart disease.
4. Helps relieve back pain. Experts at Spine-Health said that regularly stretching the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine can alleviate back pain by reducing tension.
5. Reduces stress. There's no better time than the present to introduce ways to de-stress your body. Most people hold stress in their neck, shoulders, and upper back, according to Healthline. Simple stretches like slow neck rolls can reduce the tension.
6. Calms the mind. Even a few minutes of daily stretching daily can give your mind a timeout. University of California at Davis experts said that it allows you to recharge and refresh the blood flow throughout the body, resulting in a calmer and more peaceful mindset.

Healthline offers a 5-minute daily stretching routine to get you started.