This stretching technique can help relieve stiffness and improve your mobility—a yoga instructor explains how to do it

Woman sits cross-legged on floor with a cat on her lap. She stretches her arms overhead and to the side. She is in a domestic setting.

When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing you do? For many of us, we have a big stretch.

Whether you sit up in bed and sweep your arms in an arc like in a cartoon or just wriggle your body so your muscles tense and relax, it’s all a natural part of waking up. You’re running a system check and investigating any tension left over from staying still all night.