Do you have a morning routine? A recent survey shows 37% of people keep the same morning routine on weekends, 55% can keep their routine anywhere, and 59% drink water upon rising.
Research shows that one of the most beneficial things you can add to your morning routine is daily stretches.
Everyday stretches can get you going in the morning and help you get ready for the day. Stick around to find out the top five benefits of having a morning stretching routine.
5 Benefits of a Morning Stretching Routine
Morning stretches happen automatically whether you realize it or not. When you wake up, you probably stretch out your feet or lift your arms over your head. Your body needs to stretch after a night of sleeping in one or two positions.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of a morning stretching routine.
1. It Increases Your Energy Level
If you wake up feeling tired or just not up to facing the day, some good stretches will have an immediate effect on your body.
Stretching improves circulation and in turn, increases blood flow to your muscles and your brain. The result is more energy to get your day started.
2. Prevents Stress
Are you waking up feeling stressed about the day ahead? Add stretching to your morning routine to remove the tension from your body.
Focus on the areas of your body that are feeling tense. Loosening up and relaxing your muscles will help you deal with whatever life throws at you during the day.
3. Improve Posture
Are a victim of poor posture due to sitting at a computer for hours on end? If your back is hunched and your chest muscles are tight, adding some stretches that open up these muscles will help improve your posture.
Aside from the morning stretches, do some shoulder shrugs and back stretches during your workday.
4. Relieve Pain
Tight muscles and pinched nerves can be relieved with light stretching. Are your leg muscles tight? Do you have sciatica pain?
Target the major muscle groups as you stretch to lengthen the muscles. Doing this will relieve many of your aches and pains. Try a simple hamstring stretch every morning.
What are the best stretches for sciatic nerve pain? Try the sitting pigeon pose for example. Sciatic nerve stretches can help get your body ready for many physical activities you may engage in throughout the day.
5. Increase Flexibility
Stretching first thing in the morning will wake up your muscles and joints and increase your flexibility.
Being more flexible reduces the risk of arthritis and increases balance protecting you from an accidental fall.
A Good Breakfast and a Morning Stretch
What’s the best way to start the day? Besides having a good breakfast, you now know that a morning stretching routine also has its benefits.
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