It is often said that one cannot pour from an empty cup, which means caring for yourself before caring for others. Statistics have repeatedly shown that women’s mental health is more at risk than men’s. With women often being loaded with so many responsibilities, which range from caring for the children, maintaining a job, being a caregiver to sick or elderly parents, or even being a stay-at-home mom, it can all be so overwhelming, ultimately leading to burnout and stress.
In caring for your health, several factors must be considered when looking at health – especially mental health. Making this a priority is much easier said than done, but when the demands of life come calling and both hands overflow, what steps should be taken to help prioritize your health? The following are some helpful tips for doing so:
Get enough sleep
Sleep is one of the essential functions of the human body that allows for recharge, helping the body to remain healthy and fight diseases. When the body doesn’t get enough sleep, it impairs abilities and reduces the ability to think clearly. Recommended sleep time ranges from seven to nine hours a night. If you need clarification on the time you should be sleeping to catch in those required zzzs, a sleep calculator can take the guesswork out of trying to figure it out.
Exercise
Exercise has been proven to help reduce stress and anxiety and act as a mood booster. Now if you’re new to exercising, then start with small steps. Take a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, or try walk-at-home workouts. Whatever it is, find a routine that you enjoy and stick to it.
Eat a balanced diet
You are what you eat, and ensuring a healthy and balanced diet can help support optimal mental health. Ensure that the required intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is part of your meals, and limit processed foods and sugary drinks. You can also add supplements to your meals as a bonus.
Practice self-care
Self-care doesn’t have to include extravagant activities such as booking a ticket and traveling to the Maldives (although that would be awesome)! But suppose you can’t book that ticket. In that case, simple activities such as taking a bath, practicing meditation, taking a scheduled break from work, or even pausing to engage in deep breathing exercises can all count as self-care. The goal is to prioritize yourself and find an activity that makes you feel good.
Seek support when it is needed: Seeking help is not considered weak. It is important to let friends and family know when you are struggling with your mental health. The fear of reaching out for help can be, at times, somewhat daunting, but it is worth it to reach out when you can no longer do it on your own. There are also many excellent options for virtual help with mental health professionals that can be accessed from the comfort of your living room!
Remember taking care of yourself as a woman helps you better manage life’s responsibilities and be more present in moments for yourself and your loved ones. Prioritizing your mental health is not selfish, but think of it as pouring into your cup first helps you to pour into another person’s cup so that everyone is well taken care of.
