How to Observe National Women’s Health & Fitness Day: Caregiver Edition

If you’re a female caretaker, chances are you place your care at the bottom of the To-Do list. Many times, the women who we love and depend on endure pain while taking care of others first, putting off their health and wellness needs because they are too tired or have no time. So, in honor of the women caregivers in our lives, here are some gentle reminders on prioritizing your health and wellness. Let National Women’s Health & Fitness Day be your motivation to get at least two or three of these essential items done.

• Schedule a physical exam. It’s possible you haven’t penciled in a yearly physical into your busy schedule. In addition to reaching out to your primary care physician, consider an appointment with your gynecologist and scheduling a mammogram if needed.

• Cater to your mental health. How are you feeling emotionally? When you take care of others, whether it’s children, the elderly, a disabled loved one, or someone else, you can’t simply chalk up any emotional distress to stress and lack of sleep. Be kind to yourself and seek out professional help to talk through lingering feelings.

• Begin a workout routine. It doesn’t need to be extensive. A 20-minute routine three times a week is sufficient to help keep your body healthy. Even better, ask a friend to join you, and working out feels less like a chore and more of a fun activity.

• Eat well. Boost your immune and heart health, live longer, and fight ailments such as osteoporosis by considering what you’re putting into your body. Eating your kid’sleftovers or a protein bar on the go is not only a disservice to your body but doesn’t provide you the nutrition you need to be there for others.

• Improve the quality of your sleep. Proper rest is essential for the body to remain resilient towards colds and infection. Everything feels better when you feel well rested, including your mood, physical health, mental focus, and creativity.

• Reach out if you need help. Caregiving is an honorable, albeit demanding responsibility. You may feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders but know that you are not alone. Reach out to your family, professional support, your caregiving circle, and friends for any needs you may have. You are not in this alone.