The trapezius muscle is the most reactive muscle in the body to stress. We hold tension in the trap muscles to protect our neck from physical threat, or at least we used to. Most peoples' stresses now are not as physical in nature as they were when we may get attacked by a saber-toothed tiger!⁠

Our stresses now are mental and emotional for the most part, but our physiology responds to these stresses by holding tension in the traps. This stretch is a great way to stretch out and relieve these overly stress-taxed muscles.⁠

With your arms behind your back pull down one wrist with your other hand and then gently tilt your head to the opposite side. Gently hold this stretch for 30 seconds as a great way to release trap tension.⁠