Women are so busy balancing family, childrearing and careers that very often, they put their health needs on the back burner. When a family member is ill, she is the first to get things organized and takes on the load of becoming a primary caregiver whether its her spouse, parents, in-laws or her child. But when things don’t feel quite right for her, she will often just ignore it or take over-the-counter medicine. However, there are certain things women must take care of. After all, only if you are healthy and well can you continue to provide love and care to your family. Here are a few things you must keep in mind to stay active and healthy for a very long time.
- It’s important to remember that your body needs care. While beauty parlours and spas are a favourite, its equally important that you get an annual checkup done, And once you are a certain age, you get your mammograms, pap smear, HPV test done at recommended intervals.
- Stay active. You could be doing a hundred things around the house, or at work but that still doesn’t count as ‘me’ time segregated specifically to your body and wellbeing. Yoga classes, gym, weights, aerobics, cycling are great ways to start and stay on a fitness routine. If nothing, at least commit to 30 minutes of walking and 10 minutes of meditation each day.
- Posture. Many things affect your posture from working on a desk all day long to just slouching as a habit. Its really important to maintain good posture to ensure that your bones and muscles stay healthy and are not strained creating health problems.
- Protect your skin. Most women do not enjoy adding a layer of sunscreen to their beauty regimen but its important and it is what will protect you from early signs of ageing and skin damage. Meet a dermatologist if you are bothered by fine lines or sagging skin. There are many non-surgical interventions that can keep you looking young longer. Investing in your skin is a must.
- ME time. This is non-negotiable for anyone but more so for women as they tend to multitask, are the first ones to wake up and last to go to bed, often working on sleep deficit. You just have this one life and there will always be things remaining to be done. You need to enjoy some time just for yourself – even as little as 15 minutes a day – doing what you love: music, dancing, reading, day dreaming, talking to a friend – whatever works to keep you feeling restored.
- Eat healthy. Often women out their food needs aside and eat whatever the spouse/ partner likes or what the kids want. Stop becoming a bin or second positioning yourself. You need to eat what is good for you, not what everyone else is having or what is easy to make. An nutritionally balanced food that is seasonal and freshly cooked and eaten in a quiet environment heals and strengthens your body like nothing else. Ensure that you get your essential fibres, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals in a balanced way in what you eat.
- Your mental wellbeing is as important as your physical health. While you keep your game up focusing on your professional and private life, also slow down and do things that enhance your mental well being like meditation, breathing exercises, crossword puzzles, chanting, reading a good book, playing with your pet, or taking a self-development class.
