Putting your health first is essential. Here’s how to do it:
The most important thing you can do to put your health first is to listen to your body.
Ask yourself these questions:
How are you feeling physically? Am I hungry or thirsty? How is my energy level? What emotions am I experiencing? Am I tired? What does my body need right now? Am I stressed?
This can also sound like:
Seeking Preventative Care:
Embracing a proactive approach to your health involves prioritising regular check-ups and screenings. You can actively monitor your overall well-being by scheduling routine visits for pap smears, mammograms, bone density tests, blood pressure, and cholesterol screenings. These check-ins provide a valuable opportunity to detect and address potential health concerns, such as unhealthy cholesterol and high blood levels, that often go unnoticed. Even if it’s just an annual visit, we encourage you to schedule check-ins with your GP. Remember, visiting the doctor should never be intimidating or uncomfortable—don’t hesitate to openly discuss any health concerns. By speaking up, you are taking an empowering step towards safeguarding your well-being and avoiding any unnecessary harm.
Practising Self-Care:
Embracing self-care activities is an important step towards good physical and mental wellness. Take a moment to indulge in activities that bring you joy and tranquillity, whether it’s a soothing bath, immersing yourself in a good book, engaging in pelvic floor exercises, or practising yoga. Remember, self-care includes getting plenty of beauty sleep each night. Not only does quality sleep rejuvenate your body and mind, but it also promotes emotional stability, boosts productivity, and safeguards your long-term health. While prioritising sleep is often easier said than done, establishing a healthy nighttime routine can significantly improve your sleep quality. Consider setting a non-negotiable bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, and finding ways to minimise stress in your daily life. Your well-being deserves this loving attention.
Nourishing Your Body:
Eating healthy doesn’t mean boring or bland food. Create a vibrant and nutritious weekly meal plan by incorporating a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. To enhance the flavour of your meals, experiment with herbs and spices that make healthy dishes a delightful experience for your taste buds. Opt for whole, fresh foods to maximise your nutritional intake whenever possible. Including fibre-rich foods like vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can contribute to a resilient and healthy pelvic floor while reducing the likelihood of bowel issues. Pay close attention to your body’s cues, honouring its hunger and fullness signals. And don’t forget to hydrate—aim for at least 8 cups or 2 litres of water daily. Taking mindful care of your body leads to nurturing your holistic well-being.
Embracing an Active Lifestyle:
Incorporating regular exercise into your routine is a beautiful way to prioritise your well-being. Discover physical activities that bring you joy and suit your fitness level. Consider a combination of aerobic exercises such as walking, dancing, or jogging, alongside strength training options like pilates, weight lifting, or bodyweight exercises. It’s important to focus on toning the muscles you rely on, including the pelvic floor, to maintain its health and functionality. Physical activity promotes a healthy body, elevates your mood, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall well-being. You can start by making small active choices like taking the stairs or walking to work and improving your motivation by investing in a fitness tracker or signing up for regular fitness classes with friends. By embracing an active lifestyle, you’re supporting your body and inviting greater vitality into your life
Managing Stress:
Chronic stress can have a large impact on your physical and mental health. Take a proactive approach to managing stress by prioritising your mental well-being on a daily basis. Check-in with yourself regularly and explore healthy stress management techniques like relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or mindfulness meditation. Make time for activities that help you unwind, whether that is spending quality moments with loved ones, pursuing hobbies that bring you joy, or seeking therapy if necessary. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide valuable perspective, emotional support, and the encouragement needed to stay motivated. When you prioritise your mental health, you create an environment that fosters overall wellbeing with care.
Remember, caring for your health is the key to living a better life. By putting your well-being first today, you’re setting yourself up for a brighter future. Your future self will be grateful for the choices you make now. So, focus on self-care, get regular check-ups, eat well, stay active, manage stress, and listen to your body. It’s the little things you do today that will make a big difference in the long run.