Whether you’re a mom juggling a million things or Superwoman fighting for justice, taking care of your health is key to living your best life. National Women’s Health Week, May 14–20, 2023, is here to remind you to give yourself a little love.
Don’t worry: It’s not a week-long boot camp where you have to do push-ups until you drop. Instead, it’s a celebration of your whole-body wellness!
The U.S. Office on Women’s Health created this week-long initiative, which kicks off each year on Mother’s Day, to encourage women to make healthy choices. Whether or not you live in the U.S., we think women around the world deserve to take some time for self-TLC, so we hope you join us on this wellness journey.
This year marks the 21st annual event, and the theme is “Women’s Health, Whole Health: Prevention, Care and Well-being.”
That means National Women’s Health Week isn’t just about eating your veggies and hitting the gym (although those are definitely important!). It’s also about taking care of your mental health, managing stress and finding ways to prevent anxiety and depression.
Now, we know what you’re thinking. “I’m already overwhelmed! How am I supposed to do all of this?” Well, fear not. We’ve got a handful of ideas to help you out.
5 WAYS TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK
1. CHECK IN FOR A CHECK-UP: As much as we all love to diagnose ourselves on WebMD, it’s not a substitute for a real-life medical professional.
Schedule an annual check-up with your doctor. It’s worth it to make sure everything is in order and catch any potential health issues early on.
2. EAT LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT: … Because it does! Nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Really think about it: Are you getting all the necessary nutrients you need? If not, now is a great time to make some changes to your eating habits.
It doesn’t have to be boring or a salad-fest, either. Try a new healthy recipe off Pinterest and make it a fun experience by inviting friends or family over to cook with you. You can also experiment with new ingredients and flavors to make it more exciting.
3. GET YOUR MOVE ON: Start moving! Exercise doesn’t need to be another dreaded chore. Find a fun activity that you enjoy, and stick with it. Hiring a personal trainer or pairing up with an accountability buddy can also help keep you motivated.
Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health and has many benefits, including lowering your risk for heart disease — the leading cause of death for women. Plus, we all know exercise is a great stress-reliever. So, when life gives you lemons, take it out on those burpees.
Did you know that adults should do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes each week of aerobic physical activity that requires moderate effort? If that sounds like a lot, make your goal feel more achievable, and aim to get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day.
Don’t forget to incorporate strength training at least twice a week and include all major muscle groups. Why? More than one in four older people fall each year. Strength and balance training can help prevent that.
4. MIND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: Women personify many societal roles, but two out of every three caregivers in the U.S. are women. Sadly, caregivers have a greater risk for poor mental health. Yet, research shows positive mental health is associated with improved overall well-being.
Take a few moments each day for self-care, and it can influence your health in a BIG way. Healthy behaviors include meditation, journaling, therapy and practicing gratitude. Focusing on what you’re thankful for, such as your loved ones, can help you feel more optimistic.
Above all, be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Don’t let your inner voice be a cruel one. Remember that it’s OK to make mistakes, especially when you’re doing your best! Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would show a close friend.
5. FIND YOUR BLISS: Take time to relax and unwind. Long-term stress can lead to serious health problems, so make sure to give yourself time to recharge.
That includes getting enough sleep! Adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. During the day, spending time in nature can greatly reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
So, why is National Women’s Health Week so important? Well, for starters, you have to take care of yourself before you can care for others. Plus, taking care of yourself means being around longer for loved ones. And when your friends and family see how happy and healthy you are, they’ll want to follow in your footsteps.
Since self-care is a lifelong journey, it’s important to find what works for you. So, show your body some love this National Women’s Health Week … and beyond. It’s time to feel your best and live your best life!
Partner.Co is always here to support your body and lifestyle goals. Check out our best-selling health and wellness products, here.