Be ready and raring to go with these ancient early morning rituals, known as the Five Tibetans:

  1. Stand upright with your arms stretched out to the sides. Spin from left to right until you feel a little dizzy.
  2. Lie down on the floor or your bed with your hands flat alongside your hips. Raise your feet until your legs are straight up and then slowly extend your still straight legs over your body towards your head. Hold for 30 seconds and slowly release your legs and totally relax your body. Repeat.
  3. Kneel on the floor with your hands at your sides, flat against your legs. Lean forward as far as you can, bending at your waist with your chin on your chest. Then lean back as far as possible. Return to the middle, pause a moment and repeat.
  4. Sit up straight on the floor with your feet stretched out in front. Place your hands on the floor and gently push your body upwards, bend your knees and lift your grown area up [this looks a bit like a back bend]. Allow your head to fall back. Hold the position for 30 seconds and return to a sitting position. Relax and repeat.
  5. Place your hands and feet on the floor, body face down. Lift your hips up, stretching your core and hamstrings [downward dog position]. Allow your head to fall downwards, relaxing your neck. Then allow your hips to sag down, and place your hips on the floor while lifting your torso up. Pause and tense all your muscles at the extent of each position. Repeat

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