When it's time to get up in the morning, do you use your alarm as a starting bell and go full speed? Or do you see how many times you can get away with hitting snooze before you're late? Either way, you aren't doing yourself any favors. Take a look at the nature channel. The first thing animals do when waking up is stretch. We'll teach you a few simple yoga poses and stretches to help you start your day right.

Breathe Easy

The most important part of yoga is proper breathing that, believe it or not, takes practice. Throughout any yoga exercise, remember to:

• Breathe slowly.
• Breathe deeply.
• Breathe constantly.

Here's a simple breathing activity to use at the start of any yoga session:

• Stand up tall with your feet together.
• Inhale through your nose as you slowly raise your arms to the side and over your head.
• Lower your arms as you slowly exhale through your mouth. Really try to empty your lungs.

The Mountain

The Mountain is wonderful for improving balance and posture. All you need is somewhere to stand and enough room to stretch your arms out.

• Stand up tall with your head level, your arms to your sides and your heels together with the big toes about six inches apart.
• Inhale and slowly rise up onto your toes as you lower your chin. Be sure to keep your heels together and your shoulders back.
• Here's the tricky part. Hold this position as you slowly inhale and exhale five times.
• On your last exhale, lower your heels and raise your head. Repeat this cycle.

The Downward Facing Dog

You may have seen dogs do a similar stretch, hence the name. The Downward Facing Dog helps build strength and increases flexibility. You can do this exercise on the floor or even on a bed.

• Start out on your hands and knees. Your hands should be under your shoulders, and your knees should be under your hips. Spread out your fingers for balance, and make sure your feet are as far apart as your knees are.
• Inhale as you curl your toes under like you're about to stand. Now exhale and straighten your legs. Your tush should raise toward the ceiling. The goal is to look like a triangle from the side.
• Hold this position for three to five breaths. Try to keep your back straight and let your head drop. If you can get your legs straight, fantastic! If not, you will after your flexibility improves.
• On an exhale, slowly lower your knees to the floor.

The Child's Pose

The Child's Pose is a gentle stretch that fits nicely between other exercises. It can be very relaxing, as well.

• Start on your hands and knees just as you would before a Downward Dog, only slide your feet together while keeping your knees apart. Inhale deeply.
• As you exhale, bring your belly down and rest it between your thighs. Place your forehead on the floor (or bed if that's where you're exercising). Your arms will be stretched out in front of you. Or if you'd prefer, you may move your arms to your sides with the palms facing skyward.
• Rest in this position for a few breaths. To come out of Child's Pose, simply rise to your hands and knees as you exhale.