Key Points: As women, we are often juggling multiple roles and busy taking care of everyone else. Today, take at least 10 minutes and do something (or nothing) just for you. Find someone to watch your children/parents/partner and prioritize yourself. Do something that makes you feel good! You deserve it! You go girl!
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to reflect on the well-being of women around the world. Too often, women find themselves juggling multiple roles – as caregivers for their families and aging parents, as well as managing their own careers and personal lives. In the midst of this hectic lifestyle, it’s critical for women to prioritize their own health and happiness. Like they say on an airplane “put your mask on first. If you’re not okay, you can’t help anyone else.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical steps that women can take to ensure they’re leading healthy, balanced lives, focusing on self-care, stress relief, and finding joy in everyday moments.
Embracing Holistic Health
Being healthy isn’t about fitting into a certain dress size. It’s about nourishing our bodies, minds, and souls. Instead of equating being thin with being healthy, women should focus on nurturing themselves from the inside out. This means nourishing our bodies with healthy, whole foods, staying active in ways that we enjoy, and prioritizing mental and emotional well-being. Remember, health comes in all shapes and sizes – what matters most is how we feel on the inside and tracking our biomarkers to “know your numbers” and identify anything abnormal early.
That being said, prioritize making healthy choices. Its not always easy, but its always worth it. When you’re healthy, you will look good. As we have shared time and time again. There are many unhealthy ways to get thin. These are unsustainable and may do damage your body and brain. We have seen this time and time again! Don’t try it. Its not worth it.
If you choose to eat healthy (not diet, but truly integrate a healthy way of eating) and introduce this to your family, you’ll lose weight and you’ll look better as you’re getting more of the vitamins and nutrients you need. You’ll sleep better and be less stressed. Your children will be healthier and with less sugar and chemicals in their bodies, they will be less hyper and be able to focus better in school. All leading to you feeling great! Go You!
Carving Out “Me” Time
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy for women to put their own needs on the back burner. But self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential for maintaining overall health and happiness. Make it a priority to carve out time for yourself each day, even if it’s just a few minutes of quiet reflection. Whether it’s meditating, journaling, or indulging in a favorite hobby, taking time for ourselves allows us to recharge and rejuvenate. So go ahead, schedule that solo walk in the park or cozy up with a good book – you deserve it. You will be a better mother and partner for doing so. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it as we all can find 10 minutes of time each day just for us.
Building Support Networks
Women are often the glue that holds families together, but they shouldn’t have to bear the weight of caregiving alone. Building a strong support network of friends, family members, and community resources can make all the difference. Whether it’s sharing parenting duties with a partner, enlisting the help of a trusted babysitter, or joining a support group for caregivers, reaching out for support can lighten the load and prevent burnout.
If you don’t have a partner, reach out to family members. If you can’t get support there, partner with a friend where you watch the children one day and she does another day. As much as you may feel you have to, you can’t do it all on your own. That never ends well for you or your children. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help – we’re all in this together.
Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
Life can be hectic, but it’s important to find joy in the little things. We all should make a conscious effort to prioritize activities that bring us happiness and fulfillment, whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, exploring new hobbies, or simply savoring a quiet moment of solitude. By finding joy in everyday moments, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and resilience that will carry us through even the toughest times.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to prioritizing or health and happiness. Instead of chasing after unrealistic ideals of thinness, let’s focus on nurturing our bodies, minds, and souls. Let’s carve out “me” time for self-care, build strong support networks, and find joy in everyday moments. Together, we can create a world where women thrive – healthy, happy, and empowered to live their best lives.