Unknot Your Stress: 5 Powerful Tips to Melt Away Muscle Tension

Have you ever felt like your muscles are pulling and tight? Well, muscle tension can be caused by various factors such as stress, overexertion, dehydration and more. It can feel like pain or discomfort, along with a sense of tightness. Chronic muscle tension can also limit your range of motion, making simple movements challenging. While you may think that muscle tension only occurs in older individuals, the truth is that it can affect people of all age groups. But as long as you know what causes muscle tension and how to relieve muscle tension, you can deal with the pain.

What causes muscle tension and stiffness?
1. Stress and anxiety
Most people are not aware of it but mental stress and anxiety can manifest physically, leading to muscle stiffness and tension. When the body is stressed, it releases cortisol, known as the stress hormone, which can cause muscles to tighten.

2. Poor posture
Sitting at a desk for long periods of time or standing with poor posture can cause muscle strain and tension and stiffness, especially in the neck, shoulders and back.

3. Exercising too much
Engaging in strenuous physical activity or lifting heavy objects without proper form can strain muscles, causing them to tighten and stiffen.

4. Dehydration
Lack of proper hydration can affect muscle function and increase the likelihood of muscle spasms and strains.

5. Lack of movement
Prolonged periods of inactivity, such as sitting for too long without a break, can cause muscles to become stiff and tense.

5 tips to relieve muscle tension
1. Stretching exercises
If your muscles are sore and you find it difficult to move, regular stretching exercises can help relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility. Focus on stretching major muscle groups, such as the neck, shoulders, back and legs, by incorporating gentle stretches into your routine. It will help the muscles to warm up and move easily.

2. Massage
High levels of muscle stiffness and tension can shorten muscle fibers and restrict movement. "Massaging your muscles is an effective way to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation," says health and fat loss coach Jashan Vij. It helps raise the temperature of the soft tissues so that tight muscles can loosen.

3. Heat treatment
Applying heat to tight muscles can help increase blood flow and relax the muscles. You can use a heating pad, hot towel, or take a warm bath to soothe areas of muscle tension and discomfort. Alternatively, try using a heat wrap or topical heat rub for immediate relief.

4. Cold therapy
Cold therapy, such as applying ice packs or cold compresses to affected areas, can also help reduce inflammation and numb the area to relieve pain associated with muscle tension. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent skin damage from direct contact with the cold. Consult your doctor before using a cold compress to relieve discomfort.

5. Reduce stress
Stress is the biggest factor behind muscle tension, stiffness or pain. So, to reduce stress and tension in both mind and body, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or yoga. You can also engage in mindfulness-based practices to promote muscle relaxation.