If these cold mornings have made you want to stay in bed all day, you aren’t alone. With the sun rising later and setting earlier, it’s beginning to feel like we don’t have enough hours in the day! To help you get motivated in the morning, why not try adding some yoga stretches to your routine?

We've given you our top three yoga poses, which we know will give you that boost of energy you have been needing in the morning to get yourself up and ready to face the day ahead.

Child's Pose

The famous Child’s pose is the perfect yoga stretch to wake you up on those cold winter mornings. By incorporating this pose into your stretching routine, you will not only warm up your muscles but also feel more refreshed and raring for the day ahead. 

This pose gently stretches your spin, hips, ankles and thighs, allowing you to reconnect with your breathing pattern. Along with this deep breathing exercise, a child's pose can also help you calm your mind. If you’ve been waking up with a busy brain, worrying about the upcoming events of the day, this stretch will aid you in seeking clarity and putting you into a state of ease.

To do this pose, simply get on all fours on your Yogi Bare Mat of choice and spread your knees, positioning your big toes so that they’re touching. Allow your stomach to fall between your thighs and drop your forehead towards the floor. Then, extend your arms out in front of you and place your palms to the floor, whilst breathing deeply in and out. 

Happy Baby

The Happy Baby pose is another one to add to your winter morning routine if you’re struggling to wake up in the mornings. This pose aims to stretch your inner thighs as well as your hamstrings and groin muscles. Releasing your hips and back, the Happy Baby results in you having more flexibility and mobility of your joints, which can in the term, reduce lower back pain. 

To do the Happy Baby pose, lie on the yoga mat on your back, finding a neutral spine position, then bring your knees towards your chest. As you raise your knees, remember to keep your hip sockets loose and soft, this will allow your legs to come up but your hips to remain down. Flex your feet and put them up to the ceiling, so the soles of your feet are pointed upwards. Proceed to wrap your first two fingers around your big toes, then pull lightly down. Your feet should be staying flat to the ceiling but your hips should be releasing, allowing your knees to come close to your chest and relax. Remember to breathe deeply as you feel the light pull on your hamstrings.

Cobra

Next up, is the well-known Cobra pose. If you are a regular yogi, you may have already done this pose before and we highly recommend giving it a try on those cold winter mornings. This relaxing pose comes with many benefits, including strengthening the spin, stretching the chest, lungs and abdomen, stimulating the stomach organs, relieving fatigue and opening the lungs. 

Firstly, lie down in a prone position, with your face down on your yoga mat and your entire body extended. Bring your hands underneath your shoulder blades and raise your upper body. Use your lower back muscles to lift yourself higher and look slightly forward whilst doing so, then lower down gently.