Mornings can be difficult. If you aren’t an early riser, getting out of bed can easily be the worst part of your day. A blaring alarm that reminds you every five minutes that it’s time to wake up will only add to the frustration. Fortunately, there are some gentle exercises you can do while still in bed to start the day right. These yoga stretches will energize you and boost your feel-good hormones. Let’s take a look at them here.
Cat-Cow Stretch
This stretch involves getting on your hands and knees and moving the spine from a flexed position to an extended one. Like all yoga poses, breathing is an integral part of the exercise and should be synchronized to your movement.
The cat-cow pose will improve circulation in your back, easing any pain and stiffness that may result from sleep.
Seated Side Bend Stretch
This gentle stretch opens up the hips while stretching the obliques. It increases spinal movement, making you feel a lot more nimble than you otherwise would.
Start in a sitting position with your legs crossed in front of you. Ensure that your back is straight and stretch out one arm over your head, with the other flat on the bed. Lean as far as you can towards the side with the arm down. Repeat the same movement on the other side of the body.
Other Poses
You can also try stretches like the tricep stretch, knee-to-chest stretch, and two-knee spinal twist. These poses introduce degrees of movement and mobility before you get out of bed. They get your circulation going and energize you first thing in the morning.
