After staying in bed all night, your muscles may become tense. Waking up and stretching is important for easing the tension that can occur during sleep. But it also has many other benefits as well.

Stretching is a great way to stay healthy, to become more flexible and to relieve muscle pain. It also relieves stress and anxiety, improves digestion, relieves headaches and improves overall health. Here are some of the best morning stretches to do and why they are important.

Morning stretches: 7 exercises to start the day feeling great

Cat Cow Stretch. Dynamic exercises like the cat cow stretches are among the most beneficial morning exercises. It is also beneficial especially after long physically demanding tasks. It provides for excellent elasticity of the spine and helps alleviate back pain. This stretch exercise is achieved by first getting in the kneeling position. Then, bending over forward and touching the floor with the palms. When in this position, the back is then arched upwards and downwards. This exercise is great for improving posture, and balance and also stimulation of belly organs like the kidney and adrenal glands.

Snake Stretch. Snake Stretch, also known as Nagasana, Bujangasana or Cobra Pose, is an excellent yoga pose for stretching the back. This stretch is achieved by first lying flat, raising the arms, then bending the back and contracting the lower back muscles. By incorporating snake stretch into normal yoga practice, it helps in developing a stronger and more flexible back. Not only the back, the snake stretch is also one of the best ab stretches out there.

Standing Forward Bend. The standing forward bend is an ideal stretch exercise that helps alleviate stress in the body. Traditionally, it is said to help relieve insomnia. One of its best features is it allows for the head to be in a lower stratum than that of the heart. This facilitates for higher volumes of blood flows in and out the brain. Some of the other benefits of the straightforward bend are improved digestion, clear the mind, strengthens knees and thighs and improved overall body coordination.

Downward Dog. The downward dog stretch is said to be the only stretch exercise that provides for balance between strength and flexibility. Being one of the most famous stretching exercises, it is provides for a fully body stretch experience. No other posture can provide such stretching in tight and fragile body parts. This exercise allows for realignment of the upper body, which is suitable for those working at a desk all day or people with poor sitting posture.

Spinal Twist. Some days one may feel less motivated to get out of bed and do stretching exercises. The spinal twist is a great alternative to the more demanding stretch exercise. This exercise can be done just after waking up and doesn’t require standing or getting out of bed. Some of the benefits of this exercise are opening of tight shoulders, elongating of supporting spinal muscles, improved digestion and relieves the lower back.

Lateral Leg Swings. Leg Swings are a simple yet crucial exercise for the lower body. Going for morning jogs is a great way to get some good exercise. However, without proper lower body alignment and stretching this might cause some pain and discomfort. Lateral legs swings help stimulate the lower body and enhance blood flow to the lower body. With today’s demanding lifestyle one may not have the time to do proper workouts. Sitting in the office all day may cause some strains in the body. Incorporating lateral leg swings into morning routines will prove helpful to your overall health and wellbeing.

Exercising the body is important for good health and sound mind. Morning stretches are effective and well-timed exercises to give the body the required workout it needs. These stretch exercises facilitate for proper muscle stimulation and enable better blood flow in the body.