Stretches to Wake Up Your Digestive System

A simple and easy morning routine of conscious breathing followed by a few stretches to kick-start your metabolism and energize you to face the day ahead.

First things first, hydrate before you drink coffee… Enjoy a glass of water with a good squeeze of lemon or salt first thing every morning. For those tempted to try something a little wilder, add a pinch of cayenne pepper – the hint of heat does wonders for your metabolism!

STEP 1: BREATHING

Sit cross-legged with your back straight. Place your hands on your knees and close your eyes. Take 10 breaths, inhaling for a count of 4 and exhaling for a count of 4. Breathe deeply from your belly, making sure your inhalation and exhalation are even. With a little practice, begin to hold a 4-count breath between your inhalation and exhalation.

STEP 2: CAT AND COW STRETCHES

On all fours, find length and mobility through your spine while awakening your shoulders and chest. Repeat 3 times.

STEP 3: TWIST

In a seated position, extend your right leg and bend your left leg with the sole of your foot on the floor. Place your left arm on the floor near your buttocks to support your body with a straight back. Inhale and lift your right arm. Exhale and twist to the left leading with your chin to look over your left shoulder and bringing your right arm to rest on the outside of your left leg. Hold for 3 breaths. With each inhalation, lift to find space and with each exhalation, slowly move deeper into the twist. With a final inhalation, lift your arm and release the twist. Repeat on the opposite side.

STEP 4: SEATED FORWARD BEND

This stretch not only benefits the digestive system, but also stimulates the entire abdominal and pelvic area. Staying in a seated position, inhale and raise both arms above your head. Exhale and bend forward, working to bring your nose toward your knees. Hold for 3 breaths. Inhale and unfold, stretching both arms above your head. Exhale to release both arms back to your side. Repeat 3 times.

STEP 5: BANANA STRETCH

Standing straight and tall, place your right hand around your left wrist, cross your feet, right foot in front of the left, and lean to the right. Breathe as deeply as you can for 5 breaths. Repeat on the left side to finish.

Written by Ana Saiz

Co-founder of Ganbatte Superfoods