6 Easy Stretches To Add To Your Morning Routine

We all know getting ready in the morning can be a difficult task. But, by adding just 6 simple stretches to your routine, you can start your day off right and prepare your body for a pain-free, energetic day. Say goodbye to morning stiffness with these 6 easy stretches you can complete as soon as you get out of bed.

1. Upper Back and Shoulders

Stretch out your upper back, shoulders and chest.

Stand at the side of your bed, feet hip width apart and reach your arms in front of you. Hold your hands together while focusing on keeping your arms and back straight. Reach out as far as you can and hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds. Now, let go of your hands and hold your hands together behind your back, pulling your shoulder blades in to feel a nice stretch in the chest and shoulders.

2. Spine

Stretch out your spine from your lower back up to your neck.

Sit on the edge of your bed with your back straight and twist your body to the left from the waist, reaching your arms to your left side while also turning your neck to the left. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat the move but this time, twist your body to the right from the waist and reach your arms to your right side while also turning your neck to the right.

3. Hips

Stretch out your stiff hips.

Lay on your back on your bed. Bend your left leg at the knee. Using your right hand, gently push your bent left leg over your right leg, trying to get your left knee as close to the bed as possible. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Now, bend your right leg at the knee. Use your left hand to gently push your right leg over the left.

4. Lower Back

Avoid lower back pain with this easy lower back stretch.

Stand at the side of your bed, feet hip width apart. Bend your upper body to the floor and try to touch the floor with your fingertips. Hold for 20-30 seconds. As with most stretches, your ability to stretch to the floor will increase with flexibility.

5. Neck

Get rid of morning neck stiffness and help avoid headaches with this daily neck stretch.

Sit on your bed with your back straight and bend your neck to the left, looking straight in front of you. Use your left hand to gently apply pressure to your head, helping further stretch it. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Now, bend your neck to the right and use your right hand to apply gentle pressure and bend.

6. Calves

Stretch out your calf muscles before you even get out of bed.

Sit on your bed with your legs extended straight in front of you. Bend your knees slightly and begin to flex your toes towards your body until you feel the stretch in your calves. Hold for 20-30 seconds.