Has the thought of a gentle morning stretch to ease yourself into the day ever crossed your mind?
Getting yourself up to be on the move in the morning is invariably not easy, but some studies say stretching and other regular exercises could help you relax.
Morning stretches can also help reduce lower back pain, increase flexibility, and help you handle other health issues.
We know what the vast majority of people do when their alarm goes off in the morning is to start clicking and scrolling through their smartphones within a few minutes of waking.
If you are reading this article, and you’re one of those who do that, it’s good you’re here on time; you might develop a better routine after reading this.
If you could simply swap that habit with a few minutes of morning stretches, it might help you start your day with a more energised body and a calmer mind.
You may notice that some days when you wake up you feel fatigued usually caused by being less physically active for a few days or having worked on a laptop for long periods.
Stretching is a way to prepare your muscles and joints for flexibility and dynamic movement. You don’t need to start your day with a workout before you can reap the benefits of good morning stretches.
Some morning stretch routines that could get your day started are;
Knees-to-chest
Lay flat on your back, bring one knee to your chest, and then hold it with your hands or arms. You can also bend both knees simultaneously if you’re comfortable with it.
Upper back stretch
Let your feet be flat on the floor by sitting on the edge of your bed. Interlink your fingers and reach forward by bending from your middle back. After that, stretch your hands at shoulder level. By now, you ought to have felt the stretch between your blades.
Cobra stretch
Place your hands flat beneath your shoulders by lying on your stomach. Fit your elbows snugly into your sides and gently lift your head and chest, retaining your hips and groyne on the bed.
If you feel comfortable, you can proceed a little deeper if you feel comfortable by raising your belly off the bed. Don’t forget to relax your neck and shoulders. You can keep the stretch for 15 to 20 seconds and then gently lower your back down when you’re satisfied.
Neck stretch
Ease your shoulders and move your left ear gently towards your left shoulder with the help of your left arm. It would be best if you only stretched as far as you feel comfortable. Hold your neck for 15 to 20 seconds and steadily repeat on the other side of your neck.
Calf stretch
Place your hands on a wall for support. Step one leg back and gently push your heel near the ground. You should feel a nice stretch along the back of your calf. Then hold for 10 to 15 seconds and do it on your other leg.
Good to note
It’s crucial to pay attention to your body each day you stretch. Do it at your own pace! Don’t be heartbroken if you’re not flexible at first; with regular stretching, your body will be more relaxed, and you’ll be able to do more.
However, you might want to start with stretches that don’t cause pain. If you observe any sharp pain, soothe yourself completely. Book an appointment to speak to a doctor if fatigue continues even after stretching.
