Sometimes, it’s the little things that help the most.
If you’re like many people, weekday mornings can sometimes be a rough “awakening”. You count on coffee for an artificial boost and you plow headlong into work, e-mails and meetings still half awake. Sometimes, it’s because you didn’t get enough sleep. Other times, it’s the classic story of overwork.
I added exercise to my daily routine a while back, and that helped, but I don’t usually get to it until later in the day. Until that point, I’m slowly building up my mental sharpness and energy.
Then, a few months ago, I stumbled across something that did wonders – and after researching it, realized why.
As soon as I climb out of bed (I mean, the very first thing I do) is stretch. I reach down and touch my toes (holding them for 10 seconds, slowly slide back up and rotate at my hips left and right for 10 seconds, then lift my hands over my head, reaching for the ceiling for a couple of seconds, then lean right with my arms still stretched out, and then left. I do this for about 10 seconds. All in all, it’s a 30 second activity.
In summary:
- Touch toes, hold for 10 seconds
- Rotate hips left and right, for 10 seconds
- Lift hands up over the head for 2 seconds
- Lean right with hands stretched over head and then left, for 10 seconds.
Pretty simple, don’t you think?
Here’s what I noticed: My muscles are more limber during the day, which reduces strain on my back. My posture is improved. And I actually feel more awake and energized – even before my coffee. In fact, I’ve skipped coffee several times and don’t actually miss it.
That all may sound too good to be true, but it makes scientific sense. Stretching gets the blood flowing, helps with muscle flexibility, and – if you hold the stretches for 5-10 seconds each as I do and use consistent, steady breathing during the hold – you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your body and mind.
Are there other things that can give you a morning boost? Yes. But if you’re like me, you have plenty on your plate and need something simple to kickstart your system before the morning rush. Nothing has been simpler – or more effective – then my 30-second stretch. And if you make it routine, you’ll find your body naturally charges your system with energy at the same time every morning.
If you need a simple morning pick-me-up give my stretch a try tomorrow. You might be surprised at how much it does for you.
That’s it for now; see you all the next time.
