A balanced breakfast, that first cup of coffee, and catching up on the news and emails all may be a part of your morning routine. But giving your body a good stretch when you wake up is a great way to start your day and will lead to positive physical and mental boosts for the rest of the day.

Centers Choice Home Care has a look at three simple stretches you can do before you even get out of bed and also help the person you care for accomplish for a great start to your day.

  1. Knees to Chest

Start by taking a deep breath then slowly pull your knees into your chest. As your knees get close, wrap your arms around your legs and pull your knees in as close as you can. You should then feel a stretch in your hips and lower back. Hold for around a minute, taking deep breaths as you do so. This will help relieve tension in those areas and take pressure off the spine as well.

  1. Moving Legs Side to Side

This stretch is called a spinal twist. After you finish the knees-to-chest exercise, release your arms to your side but keep your knees pulled into your chest. Drop your knees to one side of your body and turn your head the opposite way. Hold for 10 seconds then slowly switch sides and hold for another 10 seconds. You should feel the stretch in the lower and middle areas of your back as you do this.

  1. Lean to the Side

After your first two stretches, sit up and cross your legs. Raise your right arm above your head with your left arm gently pressing down on the mattress. Keep your right arm extended next to your ear while you lean your weight towards your left side. Hold for 10 seconds then switch sides and repeat.

 

To learn more about Centers Choice Home Care and all the services they offer, visit CentersChoice.com.