These six stretches will help wake up your body and allow you start your day off right! Stretching daily is something we should all do, and stretching in the morning will help you start your day feeling more alive. Try this routine tomorrow and see how it makes you feel different!
- Full Body Stretch
You may already do this stretch without thinking about it. Stretch your body out long reaching your fingertips and toes in opposite directions. Continue to stretch everything out for 5-10 seconds, release, repeat a few times, and you will feel your whole body start to wake up.
- Supine Twist
Some of you may unconsciously do this one too, as it feels so natural. This will create a deeper stretch for your back and hips. Lie on your back and place your arms in a T-shape on the bed. Bring your knees up to tabletop position, and with your right hand pull your knees over to the right. You can leave your legs stacked on cross the top leg over so both legs are touching the bed. As you do this stretch be sure your left shoulder does not leave the bed so you can get deepest stretch in your back. Hold the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
- Figure Four Stretch
This stretch will start to open up your hips a lot, which we all need after all the sitting we do in our lives. Lie on your back, bend your knees and cross your right leg over your left (right ankle crossed over left knee). Your legs will start to form the number 4. Now, grab your left thigh and start to pull your left leg towards your chest, maintaining the figure 4. As you pull your left leg towards your chest you should push your right knee away from you chest. This will allow you to feel a deep stretch in your hip.
- Knees To Chest
This stretch will help release your lower back as well as stimulate your mind. It is very simple. Lie on your back and hug your knees into your chest. Curl up tight like a ball. If your head feels awake, try to bring your forehead towards your knees. This will add an extra stretch for you neck as well.
- Happy Baby Pose
This yoga pose is a fantastic hip opener and will help you feel more prepared to take on your day. Lie on your back and pull your knees to your chest. Grab the inner soles of your feet, and open your knees so they are wider than shoulder-length apart. Keep your back flat against your bad while you push your feet, and thus knees, down towards your bed. Hold for at least 30 seconds.
- Seated Forward Fold
This final stretch will get you to sit up and stretch your hamstrings some. Sit up tall on your butt with your legs extended straight out in front of you. Flex your feet and take in a big inhale. Now, exhale and reach forward towards your toes. Use your breathing to get deeper into the stretch. With each exhale try to reach further and further. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.