There now exists a need to redefine what it means to be strong in today’s world. Strength today isn’t just about being in the best shape physically, it also entails taking a broader, more holistic view of our health – listening to our bodies and prioritizing both physical and mental wellness.
In celebration of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, electronics and fitness company Fitbit – with its data-driven insights into physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness – suggests tips individuals can do first thing in the morning to achieve and maintain peak mind, body, and heart wellness.
Tap into your ‘ikigai’
A Japanese concept that combines the words “iki”, meaning life, and “gai”, which means benefit or worth, ikigai is literally the reason you get up in the morning, which is why tuning into it when you first wake up can be extremely beneficial to your mood for the rest of the day. Ask yourself: What do I love? What makes me happy? What makes me light up inside?
Wake up ‘naturally’
Doctors suggest trying to wake up naturally, without an alarm – ideally to the light of the sun for those whose schedules allow them to. Fitbit trackers, including the new Fitbit Charge 5, come with a Smart Wake feature that helps determine the best time to wake you starting 30 minutes before your alarm on your device is set. It avoids waking you during deep sleep so you’re more likely to wake up feeling refreshed.
Get some sunshine
Before opening your computer, take a few minutes to go outside and get some natural light. This is one of the activities in a process called “grounding” – which are exercises that help you firmly anchor yourself in the present – that is helpful in situations where you feel distracted or overwhelmed by thoughts, feelings, or strong emotions like anxiety or anger.
Say a morning affirmation
Affirmations are a simple yet powerful tool that many people use to start their days on the right foot. As these involve repeating a phrase or series of phrases that embody who we want to become, the idea is that positive thinking creates self-improvement.
Drink water before coffee
Hydrating before having caffeine can be extremely beneficial, as it has been found that the body loses a lot of water during sleep. Squeeze a lemon into the water for added flavor and vitamin C.
Move your body
Fitbit says working out can be beneficial for the brain as it engages a brain frequency called Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) used all day for complex tasks such as cognitive thinking, problem solving, and more. Users with Fitbit Premium get access to science-backed programs from LES MILLS which has 25 new high-energy workouts designed to accelerate movement.
Take a breath
Practicing meditation regularly helps relax the body, lowers stress and anxiety, and increases clarity and focus. Calm Mindfulness sessions, another program available on Fitbit Premium, are designed to help relieve tension, manage overwhelming feelings, and help bring a little more mindfulness into your day.
