In our society (particularly during a public health emergency of large scale), women often feel the need to take on extra caregiving responsibilities. They often put our loves ones first – children, spouses, parents, friends, even pets. So, it may feel strange (and even selfish) for a woman to shift the balance from caring for everyone else, to prioritizing self-care. That is why it is time for women to view self-care differently and make proactive efforts towards it, however uncomfortable it might feel initially. Like Dale Carnegie says, ‘Happiness doesn’t depend on external conditions, it depends on inner conditions.’
Let’s first try and understand what is self-care exactly? It’s the thoughtful practice of protecting and improving your physical and mental health with balanced lifestyle as the lever. In these stressful and uncertain times, self-care is ever so critical. Self-care includes eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a robust social network, tending to our spiritual needs, looking after our financial security, and so much more; think of it as the art of loving oneself. Ahead are a few ways to add self-care to your everyday life.
EXERCISE & FITNESS – Regular physical activity is critical for good physical and mental health. It helps improve your overall health and fitness, maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, while promoting good mental health. While almost every woman knows that exercise is beneficial, they have very little time for it as they remain busy with their families and careers. Going to the gym, going for a walk, working out with friends, or even doing Yoga in an already packed schedule may sound impossible. Plus, finding time for these activities becomes a constraint and our daily chores, and work pressures keep mounting. Most women at this juncture choose to prioritize their household and workplace responsibilities, over making time for exercise & fitness. Women should work towards making exercise a part of their daily routine, much like brushing your teeth or having a bath.
DISCIPLINE – Some people thrive on routine and discipline while others shun it. There is no denying that self-care takes planning and dedication. A bubble bath once or a yoga session once a month will not have any long-term impact. To achieve some level of fitness and happiness, you have to install a bit of routine and discipline into your life. Many women crave routine (even if subconsciously) because routines allow you to create structure and predictability in your life. They allow you to feel safe, making us feel comfortable and happy.
SPEND 30 MINUTES EVERY DAY IN SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES – When people are expected to work long hours and feel the constant need to be productive, it takes away opportunities for self-care. But by taking some time out to engage in self-care, you may relieve the pressures of everyday life and reset yourself to a healthy point where productivity is once again maximized. Remember that self-care is all about you. What works for one person may not work for another, but that’s the beauty of a self-care routine. Even if you only have 5-minute increments spread throughout the day to engage in self-care, that is better than nothing. Some popular forms of self-care include physical exercises, meditation, Yoga, reading, and pursuing a hobby.
PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE – The aim of preventive healthcare in women is to promote health and prevent diseases. It involves scheduling regular health check-ups, routine Pap smears and Mammograms, taking preventative care against things like HPV, Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer, and overall doing what is in your body’s best interest. The first and most crucial step to preventing ordinary women’s health issues is being educated about what causes these problems and what you can do to avoid them. Therefore, speak to your General Physician and OB/GYN about any concerns you may have, what health problems you should watch out for, possible health issues in your family, and any other questions you may have. For instance, one of the most common and most serious health problems in women is Breast Cancer. That is why every woman over the age of 40yrs should be undergoing routine Mammogram screenings to check for the disease so preventative steps can be taken before it is too late.
In conclusion, remember that everything you do today—the food you eat, the exercise you choose, your sleep, stress, and the self-care routine that you practice, will affect your health and wellness in the long run. Start today, because empowering yourself has to begin with you.
Authored by Dr Supriya Amey, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan
