8 Morning Yoga Stretches To Start Your Day

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For most of us, mornings are full of rush. Many of us jump out of bed straight to work, neglecting the opportunity to set a positive tone for the day ahead.  Setting a morning routine when you can spend some time with yourself is essential for a good mental health.

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1. Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) The Sun Salutation is a classic sequence that combines various yoga poses in a fluid motion.  This Yoga pose improves circulation, stretches major muscle groups, and enhances flexibility of spine, making you feel refreshed and focused.

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2. Child’s Pose (Balasana) Start on your hands and knees and your toes touching. Sit back on your heels and lower your forehead, extending your arms in front of you.  This Yoga pose is excellent for treating back and neck pains.

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3. Cat-Cow Stretch (Bitilasana Marjaryasana) Inhale as you arch your back and lift your chest and tailbone toward the ceiling (Cow Pose). Exhale as you round your spine and tuck your chin to your chest, drawing your belly button toward your spine (Cat Pose)

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4. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) Start on your hands and knees. Lift your hips toward the ceiling, straighten your arms and legs to form an inverted V shape. Press your hands firmly into the mat.

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5. Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana) Walk your feet forward to meet your hands at the top of the mat. Bend your knees slightly and fold forward at the hips, letting your head and arms hang heavy. 

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6. Mountain Pose (Tadasana) Slowly roll up to standing, one vertebra at a time. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, grounding down through all four corners of your feet. Reach your arms overhead, palms facing each other.

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7. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) Sit on the mat with your legs extended in front of you and your feet flexed. Inhale to lengthen your spine, then exhale to hinge forward at the hips, reaching for your feet or shins. 

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8. Corpse Pose (Savasana) Lie flat on your back with your arms by your sides, palms facing up, and your legs extended. Close your eyes and allow your body to relax completely.

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