Nurturing and caring by nature, women are far more likely to take better care of others than themselves. Even with all the self-care talk going on, we still tend to put our wellness on the back-burner while we ensure someone else’s.
Given how it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup, it’s high time you start taking your well-being more seriously. Below, are five women’s health tips for a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled you.
Take a look at your family’s medical history
Many of us tend to look at our own health as something that’s isolated and influenced entirely by our own habits and lifestyle. We often forget that our family’s medical history plays a key role in determining our own overall wellness.
Depending on the conditions that are prevalent in your family, you’ll be more likely to develop such conditions as well.
Familiarizing yourself with your family’s medical history is the first step towards better self-care and overall health. Take a look at yours and learn which medical conditions might affect you. Being aware of the risks may help you learn what preventative measures you can take to keep those risks low.
Stay on top of your routine health check-ups
We only get one body, so taking care of it with routine health check-ups is a must. This doesn’t only mean visiting your primary care doctor and your dentist. As a woman, your health check-up routine should also involve seeking gynecological services to help maintain your reproductive health.
Even if you’re not dealing with particular gynecological conditions, it is vital that you get examined and tested regularly. Such appointments are also perfect for addressing any discomfort or uncomfortable symptoms you might be experiencing, be it abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and the like.
Carefully examine your current diet
Your dietary choices may seem insignificant when you’re young and not dealing with any conditions. However, your food choices aren’t as trivial as you may think. What you eat matters probably even more than how much you exercise. What you choose to nourish your body with will inevitably show on your skin, gut health, and overall well-being.
Foods that cause inflammation (including refined grains, fried and snack foods, processed meats, and sweetened drinks) are directly correlated with unpleasant and sometimes downright debilitating symptoms. If you’re suffering from anxiety, chronic fatigue, insomnia, or frequent infections, inflammation-promoting foods may be the ones to blame.
It’d be best to carefully examine your current diet and focus more on eating healthful, nutritious meals. Experiment with spices and herbs to help lower the amount of sodium you consume, and cook at home more often. Not only is this better for your health, but your wallet, too.
Step up your workout game
Exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. When combined with a well-balanced, healthful diet, it can do wonders when it comes to promoting longevity and preventing chronic diseases. While many women assume getting a good workout equals heading to the gym every other day, that’s not necessarily true.
With so many free exercise programs and fitness channels, squeezing in a short but effective workout has never been easier. What’s important is that you figure out what works for you and your lifestyle.
Sometimes, this will mean shaking up your workout routine, whether at the gym or at home. Other times, it’ll mean incorporating activities such as walking your dog, taking your baby out for a stroll, or heading to the park and enjoying everything from roller-skating to jogging to playing frisbee.
Sleep, sleep, and then sleep some more
There’s no denying the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Rest is vital as it promotes skin and tissue regeneration as well as wound healing. It is also during the night that our body prepares us for the day ahead physically as well as mentally.
How much sleep you need will depend on your age. Most people need between 7 and 9 hours of shut eye each night to function at their best. In order for younger kids to feel rested and alert, they’ll require even more than that – up to 11 hours. Having trouble sleeping? Try different sleeping aids – consider using magnesium for sleep or rely on melatonin to catch those essential Z’s every night.
Taking care of yourself shouldn’t feel like a chore
Whether you’re a mother, spouse, or working parent, prioritizing yourself can be difficult when you’re used to taking care of everyone else around you.
However, ensuring your own health can be easy rather than feeling like a chore. Stick with the tips above, and you’ll have no problem ensuring a bright, happy, and healthy future for yourself.
