Following on the heels of Mother’s Day it is National Women’s Health Week. We invite you to visit the National Women’s Health Week webpage, click on “your age” and learn age-specific ways to make your mental, emotional and physical well-being a priority in your life.
7 Steps to a Healthier, WELL-thier You
Here are 7, one-size-fits-all-ages steps for being a healthier – and WELL-their – you.
1) Compassionately train your partner in sharing the emotional labor with you
This past year, Harper’s Bazaar published a piece, written by Gemma Hartley, titled, Stop Calling Women Nags – We’re Just Fed Up. The piece went viral and started a national conversation about the countless hours of emotional labor most women do – that go relatively unacknowledged by partners and family members. You can also listen to a fabulous Dear Sugar podcast devoted to the same subject matter.
Why do we list this as #1 on our list? Because emotional labor takes its toll – mentally, physically and energetically – impacting your overall well-being. If you have to field texts like, “Where’s the peanut butter,” or, “what should I put on the store list,” while heading into an important meeting – it’s a sign you’re on emotional labor overload and it’s time to train your partner (and other capable household members) to share the load.
2) Focus on anti-inflammatory foods
The more we’re learning about the immune system and inflammation, the more we realize the foods we eat have a direct correlation between your internal inflammatory levels. Chronic inflammation is not good for you, and focusing on anti-inflammatory foods has immediate physical and mental health benefits, including reducing the effects of PMS.
3) Get good sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep (7 – 9 hours per night) has always been a healthy living top, but we continue to learn about how a healthy circadian rhythm and good sleep correlates to reduced heart disease and other chronic illnesses, better weight management, balanced hormones and moods, etc.. Do what it takes to establish health sleep habits for you and your household.
4) Take advantage of annual wellness visits
Annual wellness visits at both your general physician and your OB/GYN are free if you have health coverage. If you don’t, many clinics still offer these services for free or very low-costs. Proactive prevention and early detection are key to treating the large majority of serious health conditions, so give your body the worthy treatment it deserves.
5) Try to get 30-minutes of exercise a day
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Even a simple walk during your lunch break will suffice, although it’s best to ensure you’re heart-rate is elevated for a portion of that time. Additionally, weight-bearing exercises are important for strengthening bones and reducing your chances of developing osteoporosis.
6) Don’t text and drive (and wear your seatbelt)
About 25% of all automobile accidents are attributed to some type of cell phone use, and texting while driving is responsible for thousands of deaths per year (and hundreds of thousands of injuries). Do what it takes to break the habit of texting and driving, and always wear your seat belt to be on the safe side.
7) Be thankful and laugh often
Research shows us repeatedly that those who have a gratitude practice and/or who continually give thanks for the goodness in their life are happier and healthier. The same holds true for those who laugh often. When people laugh, the entirety of the functioning brain is engaged, similar to when people meditate, and this is good for both the brain and your body.
Would you like to work with a healthcare provider that focuses on women’s health and well-being – both fertility and through the ages? Schedule a visit with Overlake.