Do you have trouble getting out of your warm bed in the morning? Do you take too much time to wake up? There is a simple method to be active more quickly, even during difficult awakenings. In this article, I suggest you discover the benefits of stretching in the morning!
Why is it important to stretch in the morning?
Morning stretching is often a natural reflex. They are accompanied by a yawn and are quite pleasant. In fact, we raise our arms and stretch our legs before getting up, without really knowing why. These gestures make us feel good, which is why we naturally do them every morning!
In fact, stretching in the morning allows you to :
- Prepare your body for the efforts of the day ahead;
- Get rid of contractures and stiffness in your muscles;
- Inform your brain that the sleep phase is over;
- Accompany a yawn, stretching in the morning keeps fatigue at bay faster!
Stretching in the morning is a phenomenon that even has its own name: pandiculation.
In concrete terms, what are the benefits of morning stretching?
Chasing away fatigue
Stretching in the morning when you wake up is an excellent way to emerge more quickly. How does it work in practice?
Waking up your muscles allows you to feel more in shape, to be gently energized, and thus to get out of this irresistible desire to go back to sleep. Indeed, when we stretch, we contract many muscles. This is the signal that allows us to get rid of physical fatigue.
Moreover, yawning is also a way to get rid of fatigue, because it circulates and therefore accelerates the elimination of sleep-inducing substances in the brain.
Wake up your body and brain
When you sleep, all your muscles and joints are at rest for several hours. Before starting the day, it is advisable to wake them up gently to relax them. This way, they are more flexible and ready to work! Also, if you regularly carry heavy loads, stretching is highly recommended so your body can handle them better.
Even better, stretching in the morning helps prevent chronic pain and muscle tension. It is scientifically proven!
As for the brain, stretching also alerts it that “this is it, get ready for a new day, morning stretching promotes relaxation and energy expenditure control.
How to stretch in the morning?
Taking advantage of morning stretching, it is not always enough to yawn while raising your arms! To start the day off right, you must stretch from head to toe to wake up every part of your body.
Stretch your neck
To start, simply turn your head from left to right, keeping it parallel to your shoulders. The movement should be slow and fluid. The goal is not to hear your vertebrae crack! Take your time and repeat the process 10 times.
Arms and wrists
This morning stretch can be done standing up or even under the comforter! Simply breathe in deeply while raising your arms as high as possible. Hold the position for 5 seconds, then exhale and release. You can do this 3 to 5 times to enjoy the benefits.
To stretch your wrists, start by extending your arms in a T shape with your body. First, with your palms up, stretch your hands down. Then do the same thing: place your palms down and stretch your hands down. You should feel a slight tug. You can repeat this movement several times until you feel that the area is supple.
The back
Stretching your lower back in the morning is very simple! In bed or on the floor, lie on your back. Now bring both knees up to your chest. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat it 5 times. Super easy and effective, it stretches the spine, particularly the lumbar area.
The legs
Here again, you don’t need to be out of bed to do this stretch! It’s great for waking up gently and on the right foot! Lying on your back, breathe in and stretch your legs as much as possible as if you were trying to push a wall or grow taller. Hold for 5 seconds, then release and exhale. You can do this 5 times.
To conclude, stretching in the morning is an excellent method with many benefits! It is a way to prepare yourself gently for your day and to be less tired in the morning! Indeed, morning stretching helps eliminate fatigue and muscle stiffness and wakes up your body and brain. However, to experience these benefits, try doing an actual stretching session every morning for 10 minutes. It’s fast and a great way to wake up in the morning! As Benjamin Franklin said, “The world belongs to the early bird!”
Do you do morning stretches and can’t get enough of them? Come and tell us why and how you do it!