Morning Yoga Poses to Wake You Up
| 2 min read
Caffeine isn’t the only thing that can help wake you up in the morning. Rather than reaching for your usual cup of coffee, try these simple yoga poses instead. They are guaranteed to gently ease you into a wakeful state and energize your day.
To get started, grab a yoga mat (or even a towel) and work through each of the four poses below. Repeat the sequence three times and you’ll be ready to take on the day!
- Start on hands and knees, with knees directly below hips and hands slightly in front of shoulders
- Exhale and lift knees away from the floor while keeping arms straight and lifting your tailbone up towards the ceiling
- Hold for 30 seconds
- Stand with feet hip-distance apart and arms down at your sides
- Step left foot toward the back of the mat and turn your left toes out to a 45-degree angle
- Slowly bend your right knee over right ankle
- Inhale and bring your arms directly over your head
- Allow your back to bend backwards slightly as your gaze comes up to your fingertips, which are above your head
- Hold for 30 seconds to a minute, then repeat with your opposite foot
- Lie face down on the floor with elbows bent and your palms flat beneath your shoulders
- Engage your abs by drawing your belly button toward your spine (this is important in order to protect your lower back)
- Spread your fingers and press your palms into the floor
- Push your upper body off of the floor and straighten your arms as much as possible
- Hold for 30 seconds
- Kneel on your mat with your toes relaxed and your knees about hip-width apart
- Exhale and lay your torso down between your thighs
- Lay your hands on the floor alongside your torso with your palms facing up
- Hold for five deep breaths
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Photo credit: myyogaonline
