Stretch - Relax like a Cat 

On e of the first ways stress shows itself in our bodies is through stiff, knotted muscles that eventually stop us moving freely. Stretching is a simple way to release the tension. It's a good way to start the morning or end the day or before or after an exercise session. Just watch a cat or dog enjoying a long, all body stretch - tension never gets a look in.

When you're stretching aim for fluid movements, avoid bouncing, jerking or forcing a stretch too far. You can stretch more by breathing out as you make the effort, breathing in and then gently leaning a little further into it as you breather out again. 

All these stretches are done standing up - straight but not stiff or arching the back . Hold each one for 5-10 seconds and repeat a few times. When you've stretched one side or limb do the other one too.

Do some big waking up stretches - arms up over your head and out to the side as far back as they'll go, stretching out to the tips of your fingers. You can do this lying down too, stretching your legs out and down as far as they will go.

Tilt your head sideways till your ear is near your left shoulder, then do the same on the other side, then let your chin sink onto your chest.
Stretch arms out in front interlacing fingers and turning palms outwards. Raise above your head and back as far as they comfortably can go.

Roll both shoulders backwards in big circles.
Keeping your spine straight and hips still, put both hands on your left hip and turn your whole body from the waist to look over your left shoulder pushing gently with your hands.

ON hands and knees, hump your back as high as you can, head down then stretch with back straight, head level, so the spine continues in a straight line up to the skull (Don't do this if you suffer from epilepsy).

Sit on the floor with legs splayed out, knees soft - keep them loose. Lean towards your right ankle , trying to keep your spine straight and leaning up out of the hips.

Rotate and flex your feet and wiggle the toes.
Take a short step forward then bend your knees as if curtsying but keeping heels on the ground.

Standing straight with feet shoulder width apart, relax the spine by bending forward letting the head hang down, with legs slightly bent, arms dangling. Straighten up slowly, vertebra by vertebra, unrolling from the bottom of your spine very gradually up to the top. If you loose your balance you can try this leaning against a wall or with the help of a friend, but if you experience dizziness leave this exercise out.