Does this sound like your morning? The alarm goes off, you reach for your phone, and either hit snooze or pick it up and get lost in the vortex of endless social media scrolling. Before you know it, you’ve either slept for another 30 minutes or you’ve lost valuable time in productivity.
You’ve probably heard before that the most successful people in the world have morning routines they do not deviate from, no matter what time they wake up. Even if you aren’t a “morning person,” there is one way to energize yourself for the day immediately – and that’s with a quick stretch session. Stretching can make a huge difference in how you approach the day and how you feel until you go to sleep again.
Your body needs sleep to recover from the day and restore the function of many vital processes. When we wake up in the morning, stretching gets our muscles and connective tissues moving again. Stretching in the morning also reduces stiffness and tight muscles. It also helps get the blood and oxygen in your body circulating to gently wake it up. Plus, stretching creates energy.
Another great thing about stretching is that you don’t need anything special equipment or clothing to do it.
Here are 6 great morning stretches you can try to wake up in the morning.
This is an easy one to start with. It helps stretch out your lower back and encourages blood flow to your vital organs.
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Neck stretches in the morning help release tension. This is especially helpful if you sleep the wrong way on your pillow and wake up with neck discomfort.
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Child’s pose is a yoga staple. It is loved by many because it is a restorative pose that elongates the spine and stretches out the hips and thighs. It’s also a very calming and relaxing pose that will help you get centered.
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The cat-cow pose is a great stretch to wake up your back in the morning. It opens up your entire spine and works your hips, core, and neck.
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This yoga pose opens up your chest, stretches your hamstrings, strengthens your core, and lengthens your spine. It’s a great way to work on your posture first thing in the morning too.
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This one is a great stretch for the first moment you get out of bed. Although it’s a basic pose, it stretches your hamstrings, quads, and spine. Plus, it is a calming pose that helps relieve stress. Move into this one right from Mountain Pose.
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There is no perfect way to design your morning routine. Everyone will have something unique that works for them. However, waking up with stretching can clear your mind, strengthen your body, and improve your mood before you start the day.
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