Hey, Ladies: Take Time for Your Wellness

Well Hello! Our blog has been a little neglected lately but thanks to Julia (life-saver), we have a new featured read highlighting personal wellness. We aligned with Julia over one-year ago and after a personal break, she followed-up with an amazing piece . . . Enjoy :) Be sure to comment, share and be sure to refresh your wellness plan! 

Contributor: Julia Merrill

Let’s get one thing straight: There’s no such thing as “having it all.” The phrase was coined as a way to encourage women to go after the things they want, but it evolved into an impossible standard that many are still trying to live up to. Look, there are only 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week, and 52 weeks in a year. That’s not enough time to “have it all.” We have to make choices and sacrifices to go after the things we want. However, one thing we should never sacrifice is our health.
 
Good health is a blessing many of us take for granted. Instead of appreciating it and caring for it, we often skip yearly checkups, stay up through sleepless nights, and fuel our bodies with food that has little to no nutritional value. All these bad habits may not mean much on their own, but over time they build up and can have a negative impact on your overall well-being. Instead of letting that happen, take some time out of your daily schedule to practice self-care and appreciate your health. It will contribute to a longer and happier life overall. 

​Break a Sweat

While no woman should hit the gym obsessing over working toward the perfect body, skipping your workout has serious health implications. We need exercise to control our body weight, reduce the risk of heart disease, and maintain muscle tone. Weightlifting can also help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone density. This is especially important for women who make up the majority of those diagnosed with osteoporosis.  Furthermore, any kind of exercise releases helpful neurotransmitters that promote positive mood, reduce pain, and improve overall sleep quality. 

​Eat the Rainbow

In the ‘90s, eating well was all about buying weight-loss shakes and low-fat snacks in colorful boxes. Today, we know better. If you want a healthy diet, start by upping the amount of produce you buy, and focus on “eating the rainbow.” That is, buy fruits and vegetables from all over the color spectrum. The color of a fruit or vegetable reflects its nutritional value. For instance, the orange in carrots comes from the nutrient beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Make the bulk of your meals an array of colorful fruits and vegetables and complement them with lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains for a nutritious diet. 

​Go with Your Gut

Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of a well-balanced diet. Ever feel like you’re on a rollercoaster of emotions in one day? You’re not alone, and there’s a good reason for it. In fact, there’s growing evidence about the connection between gut health and mood. Yes, all the tiny microorganisms in your gut don’t just play a role in digestion and immunity; they also contribute to mood levels by secreting various hormones like serotonin and dopamine. The healthier your microbiome (gut health), the happier you’ll feel! You can accomplish this by starting with your diet. Reach for foods and beverages that contain live cultures, such as kefir and yogurt. You can also add probiotic supplements to send more healthy bacteria to your gut.

Give Me a Break

A woman’s work is never done, right? Wrong! You deserve a break as much as anyone. If you don’t take time out to rest and relax, it can catch up to you in unexpected ways. When we are overworked, we get moody, anxious, and irresponsible. In fact, it’s not uncommon for overworked people to start slipping up on the job -- which is not why you work all those long hours. Leave the office when your work is over, make time for vacations, and take a mental health day if you think you need it. Even if you aren’t a full-time career woman, you still deserve a break. 

​When it comes to your work at home, try treating yourself by hiring a dog walker or house cleaner to help reduce your chores and workload. Use that time to do something you enjoy, instead. Just keep track of your budget. An hour-long walk usually costs $22 - $27, and maid services can charge an average of $15 - $30 hourly. 

A final word . . . 

​When you neglect self-care, it can have serious health implications. Taking time out of your busy schedule to eat nutritious meals, exercise, and relax is imperative if you want to support both your mind and body.