2 Stretches to Relieve Upper Body Stress
Stretches
2 Stretches To Release Upper Body Stress
A simple stretch to help you release upper body stress
Feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? That’s probably because you may be carrying your problems, your experiences, and concerns for others in your upper body.
It is not uncommon for individuals experiencing stress to have somatic symptoms in their shoulders, neck, and forehead regions.
Scalene Stretch
Here is a stretch that can target your upper body, arms, shoulders, and neck area. I have found this stretch to be helpful to me and many of my clients.
You can choose to hold this stretch for an extended period, but I often recommend holding the stretch for at least 30 seconds. This stretch can is so easy it can be done anywhere, at any time.
While doing this stretch pay close attention to where you feel the tension in your body or where you may feel comfortable.
While doing this stretch, check in with your body:
Where do I feel this stretch the most?
Is there tightness or release in my neck, shoulders, or arms?
Have I noticed this tension before?
Does this tension appear during certain times or activities?
Doing this brings awareness to where your body stores stress and helps identify overworked areas. Many people report not just physical relief—but emotional lightness too.
Steps to Perform the Scalene Stretch:
Position 1
Stand tall with arms relaxed. Gently tilt your head to one side and lift your chin slightly toward the ceiling.
Hold this stretch.
Position 2
Maintain the head position.
Now, flex the opposite hand at the wrist.
Hold again.
Position 3
Relax your arm and bring your head back to center.
Step 4.
Repeat on the other side.
💡 Tip: Don’t overextend yourself. Gentle movements are powerful.
Need a daily reminder to slow down and care for yourself?
Check out my Affirmation Pillow – a cozy, calming companion featuring gentle words to ground and uplift you.
Relaxing the Jaw
Now let’s focus on the jaw area. Many of us carry stress in our jaw region. Not sure if this fits you let’s take a quick test.
Focus on your inner mouth. Is your tongue touching the upper palate of your mouth? If so, you may be holding stress in that area. Here’s a quick tip to relax the jaw.
Jaw Relaxation Technique:
Bring awareness to your tongue’s current location.
Intentionally lower your tongue toward the bottom of your mouth.
Hold it there for 20–30 seconds.
Notice how your jaw, cheeks, and even forehead begin to soften. These micro-movements can have macro-results when done mindfully.
Both of these stretches are beneficial to the body and mind. Plus, it doesn’t take much time to practice these techniques.
Mind-Body Healing
These stretches are simple, quick, and effective—but they’re just the beginning.
🌱 Ready to go deeper?
Start your journey toward holistic healing with these free and supportive tools:
👇🏾
Grab my Journal Prompt to Begin Inner Work
Reflective writing prompts to help you explore the emotional roots of your tension.
Book a session with me
If you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or chronic stress and want a compassionate, holistic therapeutic approach, contact me today.
Let’s Connect
đź’– Join my private Facebook community: The Wellness Solution: Mind. Body. Home.
A supportive space for women using holistic practices to heal and thrive.
đź“ş Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more practices and inspiration.
📝 And don’t forget to subscribe to the Chat Trap Blog for ongoing mind-body wellness tips.
What stretches do you find to be helpful for your upper body? I’d love to read them in the comments below.
Written by: Reynelda Jones, LMSW-C CAADC, ADS, CIMHP
Subscribe to the Chat Trap Blog
-
The Website may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition or medicine. This information should not be treated as medical advice. This blog does not substitute face-to-face medical or therapeutic services. If you require any more information or have any questions about our site's disclaimer, please feel free to contact us by email at asolutionb@gmail.com
DISCLAIMERS FOR A SOLUTION B
All the information on this website - https://www.ASolutionB.Com - is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. A Solution B does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (A Solution B), is strictly at your own risk. A Solution B will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. Our Disclaimer was generated with the help of the Disclaimer Generator and the Disclaimer Generator.
From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'.
Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information.
CONSENT
By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms.
UPDATE
Should we update, amend or make any changes to this document, those changes will be prominently posted here.
Shop
You May Like:
Lets Connect
