5 Stretches You Can Do Every Morning

You wake up to the melody of a song you love. Your bed is warm, cozy, and tempting—but you’ve got things to do today, and you actually want to do them. So you get up, full of energy and ready to move toward your goals.

A warm shower, a hot cup of coffee, and a walk in the fresh air help you come back to yourself. Now—you’re ready for the day.

Doesn’t that feel so much better than waking up to a harsh alarm, not wanting to get out of bed, and starting the day feeling off?

To bring that kind of energy into your mornings, there are a few simple stretches you can do right after you wake up. These easy, feel-good movements can help you feel more awake and active—without needing to hit snooze five times, rely on endless cups of coffee, or start your day feeling stressed.

So… let’s stretch like a cat 🐾

Leg stretch
While lying on your side, gently pull your legs one by one toward your hips, giving your glutes a light squeeze. Then, still lying down, extend your legs upward one at a time.

Hip stretch
Keep your lower back flat against the bed. Pull your knees toward your chest and release. While your legs are lifted, slowly rotate your ankles in circles.

Lower back stretch
Lie on your back and gently drop your hips to one side, then the other. Pause briefly on each side—this can feel especially relieving for your lower back.

Neck stretch
Sit up in bed and slowly turn your head to the right, then to the left. Move gently and without rushing. Then roll your shoulders in soft circles.

Upward stretch
Sit up, bring your hands together, and reach up toward the ceiling. Lengthen your spine as much as you can. Keep your back tall and your chest open.