With increased focus on mental health this month, this is a great time to share some overall wellbeing tips for the busy woman.
Despite the increasing roles being undertaken by women in today’s society, women continue to dominate as the caregiver in our families and the wider community. While this remains a noble calling, we often put ourselves last in our attempts to meet everyone else’s needs — much to our own detriment. If we are to give of our best, we need to be intentional about taking care of ourselves.
Of course, our wellbeing was important before, but it became even more apparent during the pandemic, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue guidelines specifically for women in caregiving roles. In an article entitled ‘Women, Caregiving and COVID-19’, the CDC stated:
“As a caregiver, taking care of yourself and getting the help you need are important. Taking care includes maintaining healthy behaviors, managing stress, and seeking extra support, especially during COVID-19.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
So, now more than ever, it’s important to pay attention to your overall health and wellness. The days of putting everyone else first and leaving yourself last should be a thing of the past. And these wellbeing tips will give you the head-start you need.
Ongoing Lessons in Wellbeing
I admit that I learned the importance of taking care of my wellbeing the hard way. At one point in my life if I woke up feeling unwell, I would literally check my calendar to see if I could afford to be sick that day. It sounds pathetic now, but I have a hunch I’m not alone.
I’ve since made many positive strides to bring about better balance in my life, yet I need to be continually reminded that my health is paramount. It is something I need to be deliberate about because after all, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’. And as much as I might wish, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just happen.
Below are some wellbeing tips I’m implementing to improve my health and wellness. I am by no means an expert, nor am I as fit as a fiddle. In fact, I still have changes I’d like to make, but I’m happy to be on a journey to the best version of me. That includes taking care of my body and my mind – my overall wellbeing.
I offer these tips from one sister to another and encourage you to check with your health care professional before trying any of these.
7 Wellbeing Tips for the Busy Woman
Follow these wellbeing tips to improve your overall health and wellness. No matter how busy you are you'll know exactly where to start. Share on X1. Make exercise a priority.
Whether or not you’re a fan of exercise, it is undeniably one of the best things you can do for your body. I’m always working to find a good rhythm when it comes to exercise. One thing I know for sure is when I exercise regularly, my body thanks me for it. It gives me that extra pep in my step and the energy I need. I’m better able to do the things I love and give back to my loved ones. Plus, I simply feel better about myself.
Find an exercise programme or activity you love. If you have a gym membership put it to good use. Go walking on the beach. Have a regular dance session with your kids using Just Dance YouTube videos. Try out tennis or judo (my personal favourite). The possibilities are endless, and you don’t have to do just one thing. Mix it up and make it fun. The key is to develop an active lifestyle and keep your body moving.
2. Pay attention to your body.
Schedule regular check-ups and periodic health exams. Depending on your age you’ll need specific exams which your doctor can advise you on. Don’t let health issues catch you by surprise. Be proactive about your health and stay on top of any concerns you may have. You know your body best – listen to it! If you notice something that seems odd, have it checked out. Don’t just let it sit and hope it will go away or fix itself.
Boost your health with these 7 wellbeing tips — including paying attention to your body! Share on X3. Choose nutritious meals.
It’s easy to eat on the run, skip meals and resort to fast-food, but your body needs fuel to run, so choose wisely. Again, your health care professional can advise you on what types of foods you need and how often you should eat. What’s important here is to ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs. Don’t take matters into your own hands by following the latest diet or fad.
4. Get your water in.
I’d be embarrassed to tell you how much (or in this case, how little) water I was drinking. Knowing all the benefits of water, I’m now on a mission to up my intake. The Harvard Medical School Special Health Report, 6-Week Plan for Health Eating notes that water has many important jobs, such as:
- carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
- flushing bacteria from your bladder
- aiding digestion
- preventing constipation
- normalizing blood pressure
- stabilizing the heartbeat
- cushioning joints
- protecting organs and tissues
- regulating body temperature
- maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance.
While most people need 4 – 6 cups of water a day, there’s no one-size fits all answer. Water intake should be individualized so you’ll want to discuss this with your doctor as well.
5. Develop a healthy sleeping pattern.
Many experts say 8 hours of sleep is ideal. Chances are you have a good idea what works for you and what doesn’t, and you know when you’re not getting enough sleep. I find that having a consistent sleep pattern is important for me, so I try to go to sleep at roughly the same time and rise around the same time every morning – even on weekends.
6. Take care of your mental health.
While we’ve been underscoring physical health, we don’t want to lose sight of the importance of our mental health. Many of the tips mentioned already (such as exercise and good rest), will contribute to improved mental health so that’s a good start. But also pay attention to how you’re really doing, emotionally speaking.
Getting extra support for your mental health is to be commended, so if you think you can benefit from such support reach out. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Remember, overall wellness isn’t just about looking good on the outside, it’s about being well from the inside out – mind, body and soul.
7. Stay connected.
Being connected to others is one of the easily overlooked aspects of wellness. You don’t need to have a ton of friends but knowing you are not alone can go a long way. The pandemic also reminded us how much we need each other so be sure to foster those relationships, even if we must find creative ways to do so. Whether it be your church family, members of your service club or friends and family, stay connected to others.
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What about you?
What motivates you to be your best and healthiest self? And what steps do you need to take today to make your health a priority? Comment below and let me know.
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