5 Important Stretches For More Energy

Maybe you’re hitting a brick wall today. You didn’t get enough sleep, or you’re feeling completely unmotivated. Or perhaps that mid-afternoon crash is starting to set in. You require a pick-me-up, but you’ve already perhaps had your fair share of caffeine.

Or maybe you just feel like you could use a little more energy (don’t we all!).

It’s time to stand up and stretch it out.

These five stretches for energy can help give you that boost you need to get on with your day or to tackle that next big work project.

So, get up. Do these stretches and rock the rest of your day! You’ve got this.

5 Important Stretches For More Energy

For those coming up with excuses right now, these energy stretches only take a few minutes and will actually make you more productive after. So, cut through those barriers and get on up!

Don’t waste any more time.

Stretch #1: The Chest Opener

The chest opener stretch is like a big breath of fresh air. You know what I mean, where you take a big breath in, filling your lungs with oxygen, and breath out, only to feel all your anxieties, frustrations, and worries disappear.

It’s oh-so-refreshing. And it grants a lot of us a new perspective (which sometimes, let’s admit it, we all need).

Plus, many of us sit at desks all day (I’m currently doing this right now. Maybe you are too). After many hours, our posture takes a hit. We hunch forward, crane our neck towards our computer screens, and don’t really think twice about it.

Hours later, we ache. We hurt. Our body is stiff. It adds layers to our fatigue and exhaustion.

So, let’s combat this before it happens:

• If you’ve got a pillow or a foam roller, grab it.
• Lay down on the ground face-up (I’m serious).
• Place the pillow or foam roller along your spine beneath you.
• Extend your arms straight out to your sides.
• You should feel a stretch right through your chest and shoulders. Doesn’t that feel good?
• Stay here for at least 30 seconds. If you want to hang out for a minute or more, this works too. Take a few deep breaths.

My bet is you’ll be feeling a lot more energized after this one!

Stretch #2: The Full Body Stretch

This stretch for energy is partially to get your blood flowing (which delivers oxygen and energy to all parts of your body) and is partially to help balance out all that time sitting down.

If you need a boost in the morning, this can easily be your go-to. Or if you want to add some new stretches for energy at work, this one is it. It’s time to elevate your mind and your energy levels. Let’s get to it:

• Stand up (if you aren’t already).
• Extend your arms straight up. Basically, what you’re trying to do is extend your body as far as you possibly can (this is also why it’s a great one to do in bed before you get up. You can also extend your toes and legs in this position).
• Hold for a few breaths or about 20-30 seconds.

Felt good, didn’t it? Do you feel more alive? We hope so!

Make sure to check out: Combat Neck & Shoulder Pain With These 7 Yoga Poses

Stretch #3: Neck & Arm Circles

Alright, I’ll admit it. I am kind of throwing in a two-for-one here. These moves involve dynamic stretching, which means you’re moving while you stretch (which is great for blood flow and more energy!).

Start by moving your head in circles to really get those kinks and knots out of your neck, then move your head side to side a few times. Lastly (and make sure you’ve got room for this), position your neck straight and move your arms in wide and big circles.

Do this routine a few times, and you’ll definitely be feeling re-vitalized!

Stretch #4: The Forward Fold Dive

Out of all the energy stretches, this one will definitely get the blood moving toward your most productive asset - your brain. If you need to think clearly or get moving on those work projects, this might help you get there.

• Begin in standing.
• Make sure you have adequate space on either side of you.
• Extend your arms out wide and bring them up over your head, then bring your arms forward and down.
• Bend at your hips, and follow your arms with the rest of your body until your hanging out in a forward fold.
• Grab your opposite elbows and hang out here for a little while or repeat this sequence 3-5 times.
• Breath in rhythm as you do it! This will also help boost up your energy levels.

Stretch #5: The Back Bend

This one also opens up your chest, allowing you to take a ton of full and deep breaths. It also can give your back a little love, which it definitely needs if you’ve been sitting (or even standing) for long durations.

You can also do this one is standing or sitting - your preference! You will want to have enough room to place your hands on your low back and hips.

• Begin by bending your elbows and placing your hands on your lower back and hips.
• Gently bend your back backward, bringing your hips and pelvis forward and opening up your chest.
• Take a deep breath in and then exhale.
• Do this 3-5 times.

Start Doing Those Energy Stretches!

When you need more energy, movement can help! It gets your blood flowing, which is essential to deliver oxygen to your tissues and organs to keep things functioning in tip-top shape (and keep your energy levels up!).

So, next time you experience a crash, do these 5 stretches. Don’t resign yourself to an unproductive day. It doesn’t have to be that way.

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