It's a new day. You wake up, and the sun is shining. But you're stuck in bed feeling stiff, tired and groggy.
This is not the ideal way to start your day.
You want to feel rested, energized and centered, but with all the stress of your everyday life, sometimes we need a little bit of help to make that happen.
Beginning your day with these six easy yoga poses will help you awaken the body slowly, stretch the spine and work through those places that feel tight or stiff—all before you even brush your teeth. Each one will gradually help you get out of bed and start your day off right.
Here are a few tips before you get moving.
- As you enter each pose, breath in and out through the nose with purpose. The inhale and exhale should be smooth and long.
- Hold each pose, including the ones that alternate sides, for about 30 seconds each. Completing the sequence below will only add about five minutes to your morning routine.
- Perform these poses in order.
- For easy pose, seated eagle and standing side stretch, don't forget to switch sides.
Happy Baby
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Start on your back with your head resting comfortably on your pillow. Remove the covers and gently draw your knees into your chest. Grab the outside of your feet, and stick your elbows to the inside of your knees. Gently pull down on your feet as your knees drop to either side of your torso.
Easy Pose with Forward Fold
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Sit up and come to a comfortable cross-legged position. Reach your arms overhead and then fold forward bringing your hands down onto the bed. Relax your neck.
Seated Eagle
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Either keep your legs in easy pose or sit on your shins. Draw your right elbow under your left and wrap the arms so your right fingers press into your left palm. Then, relax your shoulders, lift your elbows and drop your chin toward your chest.
Cat Pose
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Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Drop your belly, draw your shoulder blades in and lift your chest up. Alternate between this pose and the next to create movement in the spine.
Cow Pose
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Start in cat pose, press through your palms and round your upper back as you draw your chin to your chest. Draw your tailbone down toward the back of your knees.
Standing Side Stretch
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Place your feet off the bed and onto the ground. It's time to stand up. With feet together, reach your arms overhead and grab your left wrist with your right hand. Reach up toward the ceiling and draw your hands over to the right as you shift your hips to the left.
Standing Forward Fold
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With your feet hip-distance apart and with a slight bend in your knees, fold forward. Relax your neck and bring the weight to the center of each foot.
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