Adding some stretching exercises early in the morning can be more beneficial than an early cup of coffee. It can help you keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Thus, you can skip your morning cup of coffee until much later when you need it.
Stretching in the morning can also help you start the day with a lot of confidence. The benefits of stretching do not stop there, as they can boost flexibility, improve cardiovascular health, and support your respiratory system as well.
By spending only a few minutes each morning, you can boost your mind and body for a good day ahead. Here are some simple stretches that you can try out.
- Child’s Pose:
A child’s pose can help you stretch your spine, pelvis, hips, and thighs. When you wake up in the morning, these areas can be a bit tight. A child’s pose can also relieve you of some stress and even calm your brain. Thus, it is a great way to start your day with this.
You simply need a yoga mat or a carpet to do this stretch and hold on to the stretch for about 5 deep breaths.
- Downward Facing Dog:
The downward-facing dog can be a great stretch for the morning since it is essentially an inversion. The stretch can help you reset your nervous system, energizes the body, and at the same time calms the brain as well. The pose is especially helpful for people who have back problems and find themselves a bit tired even after waking up.
The stretch works on your arms, wrists, shoulders, and core. It also helps you to stretch your hamstrings, calves, and spine.
- Cat-Cow:
Cat-cow is another simple stretch that is great for your spine. Together, the two poses can help increase the circulation of spinal fluid, give your spine a nice stretch, lubricate the spine and stretch your torso and back. It also massages the organs in your abdomen ever so gently. Thus, it is a good exercise to start your day with.
- Vertical Stand:
To perform a vertical stand, you need to stand on an even floor and extend your hands above your head. As high as possible. Hold on to the stretch for as long as you are comfortable and take deep and slow breaths.
- Knee Roll:
To perform the knee roll, you can lie down on the carpet or a yoga mat and fold your knees. It is important to keep the feet flat. Now, try to slowly rock your knees from one side to the other. Ensure that one of the knees is touching the ground. To make the stretch a bit more effective, you can rock your head sideways in the opposite direction of the knees.
Some other stretches ideal for the morning include mountain pose, knees to chest stretch, pelvic bridge, and so on. Starting your day with these stretches can only make the day better going forward.
