Why is stretching important in the morning in winter: 5 big health benefits

Getting out of bed in the morning in the winter season seems no less than a challenge. The cold air outside and the warmth of the quilt force us to stay wrapped in blankets. But if you want to stay healthy even in winter, then it is very important to include morning stretching exercises or yoga in your routine. In winter, body movement reduces due to laziness and heavy clothes, due to which the muscles become stiff. In such a situation, morning stretching helps in keeping your body active.

Let us know what are the benefits of stretching early in the morning during winter.

1. Stretching workout protects from cold

As soon as you get out of bed in the cold, your body starts shivering. In such a situation, stretching works to keep your muscles warm. When you stretch, the blood vessels in your muscles open up, which improves blood circulation. This increases the flow of oxygen in the body and the body starts getting warm.

• Energy Boost:
  Stretching energizes the body, making you feel energetic throughout the day.

2. Relief from muscle stiffness and pain

The problem of muscle stiffness and pain becomes common in winter. This causes difficulty in getting up and sitting. By stretching every morning:

• The stiffness of the muscles is reduced.
• Mobility (flexibility) of joints and muscles improves.

Therefore, physical activity is very important in winter so that the body remains active and the muscles remain flexible.

3. Helpful in muscle recovery

Cold weather causes contraction and stiffness of muscles, which increases the risk of injury. By stretching:

• Muscles become flexible, which reduces the risk of injury.
• Even if muscles get injured, stretching increases blood circulation and helps the muscles recover faster.
• Nutrients spread better in the body, which also provides relief from pain and swelling.

4. Improves posture

In today’s lifestyle, people’s posture gets spoiled due to prolonged use of mobile, laptop and computer. Its effect:

• Affects the neck, back and shoulders.
• Shoulders start bending and back pain occurs.

These problems increase further due to cold in winter. From morning stretching:

• The spine remains straight.
• Muscle stiffness reduces and posture remains correct.

5. Stretching boosts mood

Many people feel sad, anxious and tired during winter. The main reasons for this are:

• lack of sunlight
• Lack of happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine in the body due to cold

With morning stretching and light exercise:

• Endorphin hormones are secreted in the body, which improves the mood.
• You remain mentally and physically energetic throughout the day.

Tips for stretching in winter

1. Do warm-up:
   Before stretching, do a light warm-up so that the body is prepared.
2. Wear comfortable clothes:
   Wear light and comfortable clothes so that movement is easy.
3. Stretch slowly:
   Don’t rush while stretching. Do it slowly and be mindful of your limits.
4. Take care of breathing:
   Take deep breaths while stretching. This relaxes the muscles.