Login

Here’s why morning stretches are a must-do for you all!

Do you wake up with a feeling of morning laziness daily? Try stretching out in the morning, for the benefits of morning stretching are dime a dozen. Read on to know more!
These are the benefits of morning stretches for your health. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Purvi Kalra Published: 21 Jan 2023, 10:30 am IST
OPEN APP

How do you begin your mornings? Let us take a quick guess! Maybe with a glass of lemon water, meditation or by looking into your phone. What if we tell you an even better way to kickstart your mornings with a boost of positive energy? Try doing stretches in the morning? Firstly, it’s a great way to shake yourself out of morning laziness. Secondly, doing some sort of workout the first thing in the morning helps you tick off the most important goal of the day very soon, and will energise you for the day ahead. Lastly, morning stretches have loads of other health benefits.

HealthShots got in touch with Shynee Narang, a certified yoga instructor, to understand some of the benefits of morning stretches.

Why stretch in the morning?

“During sleep, the body temperature drops because of long inactive hours, which shortens and tightens the muscles. Therefore, stretching in the morning is a must.”

Try out morning stretches to give a better start to your day. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

1. Reduces risk of inflammation and injury

Narang says, “Morning stretches reduce the inflammation and lubricate the joints, thus reducing joint and muscle aches.” Alongside, even if you are someone who does not perform extensive workouts, injuries can happen anytime. You might bend your body in a weird motion or get your twisted while walking, no one is immune!

So, morning stretches strengthen and lengthen the muscles, reducing the risk of injury. This makes stretching in the morning an effective way to prep your body for the day by reducing the chances of injuries. That way, you will have better motion and enhanced flexibility when morning stretching is a daily ritual.

2. Activates parasympathetic nervous system

Do you wake up every single day feelings sluggish and fatigued? Also, do you also struggle to keep up with good energy throughout the day? If that’s your case, morning stretching is a must for you. It is a low-impact way to shake your body and is an effective way to get a sudden boost of energy in the morning.

“It activates the parasympathetic nervous system and increases blood circulation in the body. Alongside, stretching energizes you for the day,” asserts the expert.

Also read: It’s time to loosen up with these 10 stretching exercises that promise flexibility

3. An open body equals an open mind

“An open body leads to an open mind, thus giving birth to fresh/new thoughts. You are then all set to start your day with a new perspective, “tells the noted expert. Any form of workout in the morning will open up the stiff muscles of your body. Once your body loosens up, it gets new space for new energies. People who work out in the morning tend to have a broader take on life as a workout helps them invite and shift to newer perspectives easily.

Stretching in the morning opens up your mind and loosens tight muscles. Image courtesy: Freepik

4. Helps relieve stress

Even something as short as 10 minutes of stretching in the morning can help lower your stress levels and anxiety. Even if you bask in the knowledge of the fact that you are taking a moment out for yourself and your body, that will help! If you want to make your morning stretching session soothing, you may play some relaxing or calming music to get you in the mood. Or, you may try certain sounds like Tibetan bowls if you battle anxiety issues.

Keep an idea of your risk of weight-related issues.

Check BMI

Lastly, when the start of the day is so serene, you would surely sleep better with a relaxed and strong mind and body.

Purvi Kalra

After testing her skill-set in the field of management and marketing, Purvi Kalra is exploring the world of turning thoughts to words. Her penchant for writing stems for being an avid reader all her life. Her work drives her to be better every day. ...Read More

Next Story