#MotivationMonday: An Easy 5-Minute Way to Start Your Day Off Right

Waking up five minutes earlier or leaving your phone on the nightstand for five extra minutes will allow for a major energy boost.

I’d be willing to bet that the majority of people reading this aren’t good about stretching their muscles. It’s one of the most tedious things to do correctly, but when paid the proper amount of attention, can be extremely effective. Not only will stretching each morning get your blood flowing and metabolism boosted, but it will increase your energy levels throughout the day and avoid the dreaded afternoon crash.

Perform these five moves each morning and see how amazing you start to feel.

Calf Stretch

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and face a wall or a chair. Slide one foot back a bit and lean forward against the wall or the chair to stretch the back of your leg. Hold it for 15 seconds where it’s pulling but not painful. Repeat with the other leg.

Standing Side Stretch

Stand straight up and reach your right hand above your head. Grab your right wrist with your left hand and bend to your left. This should pull in your core all along your right side. Hold for 15 seconds, switch sides and repeat.

Touch Your Toes

Yep, the old classic. If you can’t actually touch your toes, that’s fine! Reach your hands high over your head, inhale deeply and exhale as you fall forward at the waist. Let your head and neck dangle and continue to breathe deeply. Hold your hands as close to your toes as you can for 15 seconds.

Shoulder Stretch

Stand shoulder-width again. Reach your right arm across your chest towards your left and grab your right elbow with your left hand. Pull towards your chest to feel the stretch in your upper back and shoulder cap. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on your other side.

Butterfly

This is the one you need to get on the ground for, so be sure you’re doing these before you get dressed in your work clothes. Sitting down, bring your heels together in between your knees. Grab each ankle and pull them towards your body as far as you can without it being too painful. Now take your elbows and push down on your knees. The stretch should happen in your groin and hip muscles. It’s great for circulation if you’re someone who sits at a desk a lot of the day.

That’s it! You ought to see major improvements in your daily stamina, mood and energy levels. Be sure you’re drinking a lot of water as well, because muscles will cramp and tighten if they’re too dehydrated.

Let us know some of your favorite stretches to perform!

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