Starting your day with some simple stretches can not only help you loosen up and feel energized, but it can also aid in better digestion.

The following 10-minute stretching routine targets the muscles in your abdomen, hips, and lower back to promote better digestion and intestinal health. Give these stretches a try every morning to start your day off on the right foot!.

1. Knee-to-Chest Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Slowly bring one knee up to your chest and hold it there with both hands for 30 seconds. Release and repeat with the other knee.

This stretch helps to relieve lower back tension and stimulates the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Supine Spinal Twist

While lying on your back, bend one knee and cross it over the other knee. Slowly twist your torso to the opposite side while keeping your shoulders pressed down to the ground. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

This stretch helps to detoxify the digestive organs and improve circulation in the gut.

3. Seated Forward Bend

Sit up tall with your legs straight out in front of you. Reach your arms up overhead and then fold forward, reaching for your toes. If you can’t reach your toes, just reach for your shins or ankles.

Hold for 30 seconds and then slowly roll back up to a seated position. This stretch massages the digestive organs and enhances blood flow to the digestive system.

4. Butterfly Stretch

Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet touching and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold onto your feet with your hands and gently push your knees down towards the floor. Hold for 30 seconds.

This stretch opens up the hips and groin, which helps to improve digestion and reduce bloating.

5. Cat-Cow Stretch

Kneel down on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, looking up towards the ceiling. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin into your chest. Repeat for 10 breaths.

This stretch can help relieve tension in the digestive system and improve spinal mobility.

6. Child’s Pose

From your all fours position, sit back on your heels and reach your arms out in front of you, lowering your forehead to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. This stretch helps to calm the mind and stimulate the digestive system.

7. Downward Facing Dog

Start on all fours, then lift your hips up into a V-shape, keeping your hands and feet on the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. This stretch helps to lengthen the spine and stimulate the digestive system.

8. Wide-Leg Forward Fold

Stand with your legs wide apart and feet facing forward. Reach your arms up overhead and then fold forward, reaching for the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. This stretch promotes better digestion and helps to relieve stress in the abdominal region.

9. Spinal Stretch

Sit cross-legged on the floor with your left hand on your right knee and your right hand behind your back. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and twist your torso to the right. Hold for 10 breaths and then repeat on the other side.

This stretch helps to tone the abdominal muscles and improve intestinal mobility.

10. Reclining Bound Angle Pose

Lie on your back with the soles of your feet touching and your knees bent out to the sides. Allow your arms to rest at your sides with your palms facing up. Hold for 30 seconds. This pose helps to calm the mind and stimulate digestive function.

Conclusion

Doing these simple stretches every morning can help to improve your digestion and overall gut health. By targeting the muscles in your abdomen, hips, and lower back, you can reduce bloating, ease tension, and enhance circulation in the digestive system.

Start your day off on the right foot with these 10-minute morning stretches!.