muscles gently before stretching. For example, walk for 5 or 10 minutes before stretching your leg muscles.
Don’t Jerk or Bounce: Stretching should be a still, slow movement. It’s safer to stick with smooth, easy motions when you are stretching. Never jerk or bounce to try to get deeper into the stretch.
Focus on Your Breathing: Don’t hold your breath when you are holding a stretch. Instead, visualize your breathing moving into the part of the body that you are stretching. When you continue to breathe, it helps you relax a little more so you can get a better stretch.
Stay Consistent with Your Routine: Make a promise to yourself to maintain a stretching routine. Ideally, you should set aside 10 to 15 minutes for stretching. Hold each stretch for 20 or 30 seconds before moving onto another stretching position. Be consistent about stretching at least 3 to 4 times per week.
Apply Localized Heat: Are there parts of your body that are painful or tight to stretch? You might find it beneficial to place a heating pad on that part of the body before stretching. The heat helps to loosen up the muscles.
Pay Attention to Your Body: Watch for signs that stretching is having a positive impact on your health and wellness. Over time, these habits can significantly improve how you are feeling.
Earlier in 2022, a Janet Jackson documentary premiered on both Lifetime and A&E. During her interview with Essence, Jackson explained what it was like seeing the documentary.
“I realized certain patterns I had in my personal life, in my career. Certain things I never thought about. Five years is a good amount of time to have someone follow you around like that,” Jackson told Essence.
The singer also affirmed that it felt “important for” her to make a documentary about her life.
“For me, it was what it was—whether you liked it or not. It’s my life story and my family. It was important for me to do it, because I had the opportunity to tell my story and not have someone tell it for me. I know I got it right,” she shared.