5 Easy Stretching Exercises that will leave you REFRESHED

There’s nothing far more satisfying than doing a good stretch that will leave you feeling refreshed.

Have you noticed how cats love to stretch from time to time?

Unlike us, humans, who are likely too lazy to do simple stretches, these animals seem to be better at knowing what’s good for their bodies.

Suffice it to say, many of us are guilty of skipping it, whatever our reasons may be.

Stretching exercises offer benefits that go beyond relaxation.

It has been shown that stretching enhances our range of motion, improves blood flow, and boosts our energy.

Best of all, they are incredibly easy and quick to perform, and eventually, you’ll find yourself enjoying every minute of it.

Below are five easy stretching exercises you can perform at home to make you feel invigorated:

1. Seated spinal twist
Assume a cross-legged position when you’re seated with one leg folded in the front of the other leg.

Sit with your back straight. Now, put your left hand to your right knee and touch your right fingertips on the mat or floor behind you.

Inhale and sit up tall to lengthen your spine. When you exhale, twist from the base of your spine to the right to deepen the twist.

Maintain the post for 3 to 5 breaths for each side.

2. Torso stretch
Again, keep your back straight, but this time, you have to stand tall.

Keep your abs engaged while your head is lifted and your feet are hip-distance apart.

Clasp both of your hands, intertwining your fingers and raising them above your head until it’s pointing towards the ceiling.

As you inhale, reach as high as your body and hold that pose for at least 20 seconds.

Make sure your shoulders are relaxed away from your ears. When you exhale, bring your hands down slowly.

3. Neck stretch
Start in a seated position and have your legs crossed. If you want, you can also assume the butterfly position.

Now, bring your left ear down pointing to your left shoulder and hold it. Use your hand to carefully guide your head.

Roll your head down in the direction of the ground, bringing your chin to your chest.

Hold then have your head rolled to the right and bring that right ear to your right shoulder. Inhale and exhale slowly in a controlled manner.

4. Child’s pose
Come to all fours. Steadily sit back on your heels then bring out your arms out with your palms and forehead pressed on the mat.

Separate your knees and ankles with the tops of your feet rested on the mat as you put your weight back over your heels.

This will help lengthen your spine all the while relaxing your head and neck.

When doing this stretch, keep your shoulders away from your ears.

Maintain this pose for at least 2 and 5 minutes tops, breathing in and breathing out through your nose.

5. Standing shoulder stretch
Either you stand stall or sit upright, it depends on whichever is the most comfortable position.

Simply put your left arm straight across your chest and with your right hand, hold it below the elbow.

Again, your shoulders should be relaxed away from your ears.

Then, do the same on the other side. Straighten your arms and make sure not to lock your elbows.

Take a deep breath and hold it for 10 to 30 seconds each side.