5 healthy ways to start your day right

You probably already know that exercising early in the morning is a great way to start your day. Any physical activity will stimulate your muscles and wake up your whole system. As a bonus, it will also help you get fit and give you extra energy.

However, exercise is only one factor to help get you going in the morning and improve your physical wellbeing. Here’s a list of what you can do the moment you wake up to begin your day on a good note.

A CNN article notes that when you wake up to so many responsibilities in the morning, you can feel a bit overwhelmed, but you can be better prepared if you start with a self-care routine. It may be meditation, having a healthy breakfast, or you having a relaxing shower. Here are some suggestions.

1. Incorporate chia seeds into your breakfast meal.

These tiny seeds are big on nutrients. Chia seeds contain polyunsaturated fat (omega-3 fatty acids), calcium, phosphorus, zinc, fiber, and protein. Everyone knows that fiber in the morning is a good thing. Being complete proteins, chia seeds contain nine essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body. 

Chia seeds have been around for thousands of years and have lately been receiving renewed interest due to their potential for weight loss. They absorb water and expand in the stomach, which slows down the absorption of food so you feel full a lot longer. Numerous studies also conclude that chia seeds can help influence cholesterol levels.

2. Listen to “good” morning music.

Get pumped up and happy in the morning by blasting out feel-good music. Listen to songs that lift your mood and give you good feels. Choose songs that’ll make you dance and wake you up. According to a 2016 study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, listening to music boosts one’s mood and wellbeing as well. Music offers the same effects as meditation, which helps to improve mental health and overall wellbeing. If you’re a big believer of how you start your morning dictates your mood for the rest of the day, then start playing your favorite tunes.

3. Take your time in the shower.

If you’re a busy person, showering may just be the only personal time you get throughout the day, so don’t rush it. The warm water pressure will stimulate your muscles and calm your nerves. Numerous studies also confirm that a relaxing bath can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Use this calm state to plan your day. You’ll be surprised by how many great ideas and decisions you can make in the shower.

4. Get motivated.

Whether you prefer a quote from the Bible, a social media post, or a song, start your day motivated and energized. It is a great way to prepare your mind and spirit so you can focus on seizing the day. A 2018 study in the European Journal of Integrative Medicinesays that reciting a mantra can improve mental health and negative affectivity. In a group setting, it also helps establish connection and teamwork.

5. Meditate.

Another great way to start the day is to clear your mind for a few minutes and get in touch with your inner self. Meditating in the morning will allow you to focus better. Meditation does more than ease your mind, it can also lower your blood pressure, manage psychological disorders and pain and even improve digestion. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can help you gain new perspective on a stressful situation and increase self-awareness—two things everyone needs to improve their wellbeing.

There’s no better time like the present to take care of your mental health and physical wellbeing. FWD Life Insurance’s Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance helps you do this by giving you peace of mind that you will be taken care of even before any illness—and after. To know more about FWD Vibrant, set an appointment with an FWD financial advisor by clicking this link.