3 At-Home Activities You Can Do To Aid Muscle Recovery
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, reflected that “Healing is a matter of time, but sometimes it is also a matter of opportunity.” Here’s the good news for avid athletes or regular exercisers: recovery is possible by time passing and taking advantage of the right techniques during this passing time.
Fortunately, you can hasten the healing process with a few wise lifestyle tweaks. Let’s take a closer look at three different at-home activities you can do to aid muscle recovery. Enhancing your physical condition is on the horizon.
A Good Night’s Sleep: Get Enough Hours of Shut-Eye
Of the top three at-home activities you can do to aid muscle recovery, rest is the action that tops the list. We know that this seems pretty self-explanatory. But you won’t do your body or mind any favors if you’re not allowing yourself enough time to recover. Your body has its own self-healing mechanisms, and sleep is one of them. Never underestimate the power of a good night’s rest in your cozy, humble bed. Aim to get a decent amount of shut-eye in—around seven to eight hours per night—to reboot and recharge.
Guide Your Food and Drink Intake: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Water is the most vital resource for the human body. The importance of proper hydration throughout the day—especially prior, during, and after intensive activity—is essential for nutrition. If you don’t stay up top of your intake, your body will pay the price. Remember that dehydrated muscles tend to spasm and cramp, contributing to joint pain.
Be sure to fill up your water bottle or glass and keep it in close range at all times. Nothing beats plain H2O, but don’t forget about other fuels to support recovery. Foods with proteins, carbs, healthy fats, and electrolytes support hydration, help the body produce energy, and stimulate good muscle contractions.
Give Yourself Physical Therapy: Myofascial Release
Stretching is a leading action that individuals can take to boost recovery efforts and decrease muscle tension. But what about a diverse hands-on approach when everything’s all knotted up? Myofascial release is a set of physical therapy techniques. These treatments gently apply sustained pressure to the tough connective tissue of the muscles. With the right self-help tool, users can relieve pain and stiffness in the comfort of their own homes.
By locating specific areas of tenderness, users can target and stretch certain muscles sideways. The objective of this therapy is to apply pressure to restore motion and dissipate pain. The key is to be intentional with pressure to unlock blockages caused by injuries or strains. Relaxed breathing also helps calm the central nervous system and allows the muscles to follow suit.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of myofascial release tools, consider Mobilization Magic. Our versatile trademarked tool offers effective at-home rehabilitation. Reach out with any questions to learn more or order yours on our site today.