It's been a while since we released a Mind-Body workout, so here's one for all you folks who are defrosting after this long winter and preparing to go out and do some yard work soon.

Mind-Body Workout #5: Stop Stiffness in your Upper Body

Relax your Neck and Shoulders: We start with a stretch for releasing tension in your neck. Relax your muscles and your mind while doing this stretch, so that you can prepare to make the rest of the workout a real mind-body experience.

Short, Basic Motions: Now we will work our way into the joints. By doing these simple, repetitive motions in a gentle manner, you not only focus the stretch on the muscles around the joints, but also bring your mind into the stiff areas.

Turn and Twist: This motion is for your shoulders, neck, and even your spine. It's also a great mind-body exercise. Make it slow and steady and meditative!

Sweeping Tai Chi Motion: This exercise is at the end because it requires the most mobility of all the exercises. Only do this one if your joints are feeling a lot better (hopefully they are!). This motion gets all the joints in your arms and shoulders, even the the joint between your two forearms bones!

Happy stretching!