Sun Salutation

It's hard to get up in the morning sometimes. Either because you didn't get enough sleep, or you're not looking forward to the day, or because your bed is just too damn comfy.

I've found that stretching first thing in the morning is a good way to get myself out of bed and ready for the day. I like to start the day with some simple stretching, for a few reasons. First of all, it just feels good. It's a good transition from your comfy bed to your busy day. It's great way to shake off anything that might be weighing on your mind from the previous day. It increases blood circulation, which makes you more awake and aware. Stretching also loosens up your muscles, which helps with balance and coordination. Overall, stretching reduces physical tension as well as anxiety.

There are many different stretches you can do to ease into your day. My favorite is the Sun Salutation, a yoga sequence. Inhale as you extend or stretch, and exhale as you fold or contract. I try to do at least one round every morning (completing the following sequence twice - once for the right side of the body and once for the left).