Before your feet hit the floor
After a still night, the first move out of bed can feel stiff, almost rusty.
Some people find a few slow, directional movements on waking loosen things before the day asks anything of them.
There’s a reason it may help: joints rely on movement to keep their lubricating fluid circulating, and a long night's stillness leaves it sluggish.
Which of yours wakes up stiffest?
What you'll need
- A minute before you're fully up
- Enough room to roll and stretch
Method
Before you swing your legs out, start small. Circle your wrists and ankles a few times each way.
Roll the shoulders, ease the neck gently side to side, arch and round the back.
Move each joint slowly through its directions, without forcing. Forward, back, around.
Make it your first move each morning for a week or two. Notice which parts wake up stiffest, and whether they ease as the days go on.