What Does Being A Healthy Woman Mean?
It’s a general instinct to want to better ourselves in the most efficient and fastest way possible. So at one point or another, we’ve likely asked ourselves: How can I get healthy and see a quick result? How can I shed five pounds by next weekend? What can I use to get rid of skin imperfections overnight?
Contrary to what society would like for us to believe, there isn’t a fast track to becoming healthy and seeing longterm results, especially if you want to do so in a safe manner. We want to share with you insightful and useful practices of healthy women that are easily manageable even without cutting corners.
Making a good faith effort to care for your body by giving it what it needs.
What you put in is what you get out – whether it’s in our passions, relationships, or the food we consume. When it comes to the latter, our bodies need adequate vitamins and nutrients to function properly. Between fad diets, false labeling and lack of time or energy to cook, it can be hard to ensure we’re eating healthily and getting all of the nutrients we need. However, there are a few ways that you can turn fueling your body correctly into a lifestyle.
1. Eat real and organic food.
Ditch the processed food and start choosing wholesome items instead. It’s just as easy to grab an apple or almonds than it is to grab a granola bar high in sugar and artificial ingredients from the vending machine. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and fish are all great choices to ensure you’re nourishing your body.
The benefits of organic food are endless and can have a positive impact on both our health and the environment. Organic food is void of preservatives and contains fewer pesticides, which can significantly improve our immune system. Not to mention organically-sourced meat comes from animals raised without growth hormones and antibiotics, so fewer chemicals in the farming and food industry means fewer toxins everywhere.
2. Address deficiencies.
Almost all of us become deficient in a specific nutrient at one point or another in our lives. Women, in particular, are commonly deficient in iron as well as vitamins B and D. Menstrual cycles, lack of sunlight, and vegan or vegetarian diets can all impact the body’s levels of vitamins and minerals. Some effects of mineral deficiencies are not visible, like bone loss and brain function, while others like weight fluctuation and hair loss are more noticeable. We can get most of these minerals and nutrients through food, like fish, whole grains, and dark, leafy vegetables, or through a multivitamin enriched with biotin and vitamin D. If you notice changes in your health, take a look at your diet to reflect if there’s a deficiency.
3. Stay hydrated.
The human body is comprised primarily of water, which is why maintaining our hydration is crucial to support overall wellness. Water assists with circulation, healthy skin, digestion, and helps transport nutrients around the body. If you allow yourself to get thirsty, you’ve already reached dehydration. Refill a reusable BPA-free water bottle five to six times a day (and more often if you’re in the sun or exercising).
Taking care of your mind, spirit, and soul.
When we think of health, it’s not uncommon for the mind to automatically correlate it strictly to physical health, like weight. However, living a healthy lifestyle is so much more than just exercising and eating healthy. It’s imperative to tend to your inner well-being through your mind, spirit, and soul as well. Intentional and mindful self-care will set you up for improved overall wellness and harmonious health. There are many ways to create a mind-spirit-soul balance in your everyday life:
1. Continue to read and learn.
Continuing education extends beyond school and remains important to help make the right informed choices in all aspects of health and life. Reading, for example, is an excellent practice to stay mentally fit and to gain new insights – ultimately allowing yourself to be open to new beliefs, concepts, and knowledge. Aside from reading, you can continue your education through documentaries, classes, and workshops.
2. Spend time outside.
Spending time in nature is an excellent natural remedy for our physical and mental well-being. Breathing in the fresh air and embracing the sun’s mood-boosting effects can provide a sense of calmness for all, but especially for those who experience anxiety and depression. Additionally, time spent outdoors promotes good health via its positive impact on our immune system, blood pressure, and cancer risk.
3. Pursue your passions.
Nothing feeds your soul more than doing things that you’re passionate about, and that makes you happy. At times, we can get so ingrained in our daily routine that we forget about the things that make us feel free. Make time for dancing, painting, writing, or whatever fuels your passions.
4. Laugh often.
When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, which in turn makes us feel good. It serves as a short-term release from tension and anxiety. Additionally, laughing helps give us a new perspective as it helps us not take things too seriously. So watch a funny video or share chuckle-worthy stories with a friend – whatever you do, keep laughing.
Being autonomous with your health.
When you’re autonomous with your health, you’re giving yourself the ability to take control of your body and your choices. Getting ahead of potential ailments, choosing what ingredients are in the products you use, and putting yourself first are all critical characteristics of a healthy woman!
1. Explore your medical options.
Doctors and other medical professionals are usually our go-to for healthcare and treatments. While there are many circumstances where medical providers are both necessary and beneficial, understanding other options for your health needs is paramount.
Aside from getting a second opinion, you should do your own research on any recommended treatments and if alternative medicine such as:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic treatment
- Herbal medicine
is a better option for you. Taking a functional approach to medicine is vastly beneficial as well because it addresses underlying causes of diseases in addition to lifestyle and environmental facts that may play a role.
2. Look at your labels.
Before eating or using something, it’s a good rule of thumb to check the label, so you know what you’re putting into or onto your body. If you can’t pronounce the ingredient, it’s likely that you wouldn’t want to use it either. Typically, if an item has five ingredients or less, you’re good to go. There are toxic ingredients that you should avoid in your products, such as parabens and sulfates, to name a few.
3. Exercise on your terms.
When we think of exercise, we tend to think of an intense workout at the gym. But the gym isn’t for everyone as we all have different bodies, needs, and abilities. Figure out how you enjoy being active and to do this on your own terms for your specific body. Your version of physical activity could be practicing yoga, taking a daily walk, or going for a swim in a local clean, fresh-water lake. It’s up to you to decide.
