Women’s health. Be at your best, so that you can take care of yourself and others.
Life is always busy. Even during these COVID days of working from home, and maintaining your own schedule, there’s always too much to do – and not enough time to do it. Whether it’s your job, your partner, your kids, your parents, or even your dog, there are demands on a woman’s time at every turn.
Remember though, it’s essential not to put your own needs on the back burner. If you aren’t taking care of yourself first and foremost, you won’t have the energy to take care of the ones you love.
We’ve put together a list of physical and mental steps that women should make to take care of themselves – and have the energy you need for the rest.
- Exercise regularly.
Staying in shape is not about achieving that figure you see on magazine covers. It’s about staying healthy. Exercising improves your health; helps you sleep better and boosts your mood. It also makes everyday activities easier, from lifting a toddler to tying your shoes to running down an airport terminal. (That is, when COVID restrictions allow it!) Don’t worry though. You don’t have to pump iron or run a marathon (unless that’s what you love to do!) to be fit. Aim for exercising 30 minutes a day for five days. Do a mix of heart-thumping cardio and muscle-building moves.
- Eat healthily.
Diet fads come and go, and some are healthier than others. But don’t worry about fickle trends, or what your neighbour is eating. Balance your diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Try and avoid too much red meat. Eat fish or chicken instead. Drink lots of water. And don’t overload your body. Always eat in moderation.
- Have a good night’s sleep.
A good sleep can help you feel recharged and allow you to think more clearly. It’s also essential for good health. A healthy sleep lowers your risk of getting sick or developing serious illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Aim for about eight hours a night. Yes, that is difficult sometimes, but make a routine of it. You’ll find your body will become used to it, and it’ll thank you for it.
- Manage your stress
We all suffer stress. It’s a part of life, whether it’s worrying about your kids, your work, or even your workout. Managing it, therefore, is crucial for releasing tension. Learn how to combat burnout and frustrations in a way that works for you. Stress relief, or self-care, from meditation or yoga to beauty rituals, playing sports or spending time on a hobby, is vital. So, work them into your daily life, and be fiercely protective of the time it takes to do it.
- See your gynaecologist.
Protecting feminine health is important at every stage of life. You may need help figuring out what birth control method is right for you. You may wonder if your period is normal or what to do to help you conceive. And there are so many questions around menopause, like how it affects your mood, weight, hair, and skin. Your friends may have some good tips, but the most trusted source of information is your doctor. Be sure to voice your concerns and ask questions at your check-up. Don’t feel embarrassed, no matter the topic – doctors have heard it all.
- Get vaccinated.
Trust the science. Pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a much higher risk of hospitalisation than women of the same age who are not pregnant. Vaccines have a proven safety record of eradicating the disease, and COVID-19 vaccines should be taken by women during pregnancy, postpartum periods, and when breastfeeding. Remember, COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility in women, nor do they cause complications during birth or increase the chances of a miscarriage.
- Don’t forget to enjoy life.
Stop. Smell the roses. Smile. Laugh. Chat to friends. Play with your kids. Spend time with your partner. Life, though it has its chores, shouldn’t be a grind. It’s proven that happiness is good for your health, so make sure you take the time to do the things you love, and the things that make you happy.
They say women are best at multi-tasking. So, get on top of all these tips and you’ll prove them right!
If you need support, advice, or counselling, please contact us on 0861 GOLIFE (465433) or SMS “Wellbeing” to 43821 or click here to visit the website for more information.
References: https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/everyday-tips.aspx https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/nutrition-health-and-wellness/women-s-health-tips–how-girls-and-women-can-stay-healthy-at-any.html