How I Spend My Recovery Days – Sparkles and Sunshine Blog

Happy Tuesday!

My current workout schedule leaves Sundays for my recovery days. On these days I am not doing any LISS (on purpose for 45-60 min.) or weight training. This allows my body to rest and get ready for the week ahead. Usually on Sundays I’m at the horse stable, but there’s also other ways that I use the rest of my recovery days. Below are three ways that I (and you can too) use recovery days.

Girl wearing Lilly Pulitzer Luxeletic You Gotta Regatta Weekender Cropped Legging and Pink Kai Tank

1. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

This is something I really need to do more often. I do a terrible job at not doing anything/living in the moment. It can be one of the hardest things to do for people who always feel like there’s always something that needs to be done. I know I’ve always struggled with this and am really trying to work on it. Rather than stressing and focusing my attention on a billion chores that could be done, I only let myself do a few and then after that I let myself relax and/or work on things I enjoy like my blog!

2. Stretching.

Stretching has become a big part of my life ever since I hurt myself. Even if you have never had an injury, stretching is one of the most important things you can do for yourself every single day. It helps keep you flexible and it can even prevent you from hurting yourself in the future! Below are some of my favorite stretches that really help my low back and body overall.

a) Child’s Pose

So many of my stretches come from yoga, a newfound love of mine in the past two years. Yoga stretches are amazing for your flexibility, recovery and strength overall. This position in particular helps to stretch the hips and thighs while also reducing stress and fatigue. To learn more about this pose you can click here for a tutorial from Yoga Outlet or here for a YouTube how to video!

b. Lower Back and Hip Twist Stretch

I LOVE this one! This really stretches out my hips which is where a lot of my tension usually lies. I usually hold this pose on both sides for a minimum of 45 seconds to a minute. It feels that good! I start by pulling one leg in with the other leg straight and then pulling the bent leg across to the other side. Whichever way you twist, make sure that you’re laying your head in the opposite direction. Click here to see a video!

c. Pigeon Pose

What I love about this yoga pose is that you determine how much of a stretch you want. You can either stay on your hands, or lower down for a deeper stretch. Everyone has different flexibility, so don’t force yourself to lower down if you can’t. Also, you’ll see that I don’t completely touch the ground. My whole life I have never been able to do a split and that’s just how I’m made. You’ll see in the video I’ve linked that she is. Just know that both ways are right and that the stretch is what matters! Click here to see a video on how to do it.

3. Taking a walk.

One of my favorite things to do is to go on a walk. It’s easy to multi-task (i.e. watch TV or read) while you do it, and it’s the best way to clear your head after a long day. It gives you the time you need to think about everything that’s on your mind. If you have a dog, leash them up and take them out! It’s as good for them as it is for you.

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Photography: Alondra Vega Photography