“Stretching has numerous health benefits, some of them including improving your posture, flexibility, range of motion and blood circulation,” Weiner adds. “Stretching also can help reduce the risk of an injury.”

What’s more, starting the day by limbering up can help prevent problems later—especially if your low back bothers you after a long work day.

“With a large proportion of the workforce now desk-bound there is a new pandemic of tight chest and back muscles leading to something known as the ‘desk gremlin’ posture,” says Raynsford. “This can be improved by frequently stretching the pectorals and strengthening the upper back a few times each week.”

In fact, according to Harvard Health, regular stretching keeps muscles “long, lean, and flexible.” Meanwhile, data from the National Center For Complimentary And Integrative Health found that yoga stretching can even assist with weight loss, as well as improving general wellness, sleep, emotional health, reducing pain from headaches, easing joint pain, and relieving lower back and neck pain.

It’s vital for anyone who’s active too.

“Stretching every day will prepare your body for any kind of activity you’re doing,” Wiener says. “If you’re putting your muscles under strain, stretching afterwards will help relieve them, and prevent injuries. This is why you should always cool down after exercise, as cool downs exist of mostly stretching, and depending on what muscles you use, you can especially target them whilst stretching.”

A Quick and Easy Morning Stretch Routine

Now we know why stretching is so important, try and clear 15 minutes in your calendar every morning and try the below routine. Per Wiener, who put it together, it can be done any time, anywhere, but will be of particular benefit first thing in the morning. Complete each stretch once, holding for at least 20 seconds. And don’t forget to hydrate afterwards.

Knee Hugs: “Bring your knees towards your chest and hold, then let go slightly and move your legs in a circle to help mobilize your lower back before you get up.”

Rotating the Spine: “Whilst laying down, keep your upper body facing forward and take one leg across your body with one arm on the side fully extended.”

Low Lunges: “Start in a lunge position with your left leg forward, and touch your right knee on the ground. Place your left elbow on your left knee, and slowly twist your torso to the right. Reach your right arm behind you and hold the stretch for 20 seconds, then repeat on the other side.”

Neck Stretching: “Simply route your neck forwards, backwards, and side to side.”

Now go forth and stretch.

A version of this story originally appeared in British GQ.