The Bodycare Journal: 5 Easy Morning Stretches
How do you feel when you wake up? Is your body sore or do you feel refreshed and ready to start the day? Feeling either way, these stretches will help get your body moving and your muscles loose. I start with simple movements to prepare for the stretch like neck rolls or shrugging my shoulders and then I stretch. I always start with these five because it leaves my whole body feeling lighter.
- Upper back stretch
Sit on the edge of your bed, with your feet flat on the floor. Interlock your fingers and reach forward, bending from your middle back. Stretch with your hands up at shoulder level. You should feel the stretch between your shoulder blades. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds.
2. Neck Stretch
Relax your shoulders and gently move your left ear towards your left shoulder, using your left hand on your head to help, gently. Only stretch as far as feels comfortable. Hold for 10 seconds and slowly repeat on the other side.
3. Child pose
Kneel down with youra knees hip-width apart and your feet coming together behind you. Exhale while lowering your torso to rest on your thighs as you sit your butt back toward your feet. Straighten your arms past your head and reach forward, palms down, as far as you can, concentrating on extending your spine.
4. Quad stretch
Stand up straight and hold onto the wall or a chair if you need to. Keep your feet hip-width apart. Reach back and grab your left foot with your left hand. Keep your thighs lined up next to each other and your left leg in line with your hip. Feel the stretch in your left thigh and hips and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with your right leg.
5. Standing toe-touch stretch
Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes facing forward. Keep your legs straight and your knees slightly bent with your arms extended down by your side. This is your starting position. Keeping your body loose, bend forward at the torso and let your fingers hang down toward your toes. Hold for 20 counts and then return to the starting position.
Do these five stretches daily when you wake up and I promise, your body will thank you! When I stretch first thing out the bed, it gives my body the chance to rejuvenate. After I stretch, I hop into the rest of my morning routine. Do this to add a jump start to your body care journey.
More body care tips to come next week (:
By Jazmine Jamal
Founder of @521wellness
You Start Dying When You Stop Dreaming