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Some non-impact exercise in the morning or evening might help you feel better on those long days. I find stretching to be very refreshing and relaxing. (If you do Yoga or mat Pilates, that will achieve the same thing.)
Some stretching exercises to do in the morning or evening:
- Bend over and let your arms hang, then "stir" them around clockwise, then counterclockwise. Repeat.
- Bend over and hug your ankles for 10 seconds. Relax, then repeat.
- Calf raises on a step/stair. 10 times.
- Grab your foot behind you with the same side arm. Pull up gently for 10 seconds. (Use the other arm to balance on something if you need to). Change sides.
- With one hand, grab the wrist of the opposite arm, and pull that arm behind your head, bending at a 90 degree angle. Hold. Switch arms.
- Roll your shoulders forward and backward, 5 times each.
- Drop your head down forward, then roll to the right side. Face forward, drop your head down forward, and roll to the left side.
- Drop your head down, roll to one side, continue to the back, to the opposite side, and down to the front again. Switch sides.
- Get a towel or mat and lay on your back, flat on the floor. Put your arms at your sides and straighten your legs. Breathe in (slowly) through your nose to a count of 5, breathe out to a count of 5. Breathe (in sequence) to your head, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, upper and lower back, stomach, hips, thighs, knees, ankles and feet. You might find your neck/back cracking a bit as it relaxes.
I know I put a lot in there, but these exercises can really help you energize in the morning, or relax in the evening. Good luck!
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