Stretching has a way of melting away stress and worry, but there’s no need to unroll your yoga mat to get the benefits. Bed stretches are the perfect balance between active and restorative so your body can feel ready to start the day or end it.
Stretching in bed is great because you benefit from the soft surface and extra pillows, which you can use as props. But that’s not all: this simple form of bed yoga can also be helpful for those struggling with symptoms of depression or burnout. Yoga can help you manage your response to stress and work alongside therapy to become a useful coping skill, according to researchers.
Sometimes it can be hard to get out of bed in the morning, either because you’re still tired or you’re dreading the day. But even spending five to 10 minutes stretching can make a huge difference to your energy levels. Conversely, if you’re having trouble winding down to sleep, slowly moving through a few bed stretches can help calm your mind and body.
Do the entire sequence if you have time, or just pick a few much-needed bed stretches from the list, such as Happy Baby or Lying Spinal Twist. Either way, you’ll feel more relaxed, whether you’re heading to the land of Nod or waking with the sun. Keep reading for 11 bed stretches you should try before you go to sleep or once your alarm goes off — or both!