Women’s Health Month — Why Women Need to Practice Self-Care

May is Women’s Health Month and since warmer weather is around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your health. After all, the sun is shining, bathing suit weather is approaching, and it’s time to pull out those shorts and sandals. All of this physical exposure can wreak havoc on how a woman feels about herself. So many ladies start taking better care of themselves, at least for the short term.

Great Health Shows on the Outside

Many people, both women and men, don’t realize the fact that the healthier we are, the better we look. In fact, being mentally and physically healthy and active can have tremendous benefits for our overall appearance. Making sure you’re healthy is a critical part of good self-care, and for women, the many aspects of caring for yourself are essential. Not sure what good health looks like? Consider all the products many people use each day to disguise the effects of not taking care of themselves:

Hairstyling products. Lush, shiny locks are hard to come by when you’re not getting proper nutrition and enough relaxation. Making changes to create a healthier diet and ease stress can produce better looking hair without the use of expensive products.
Eye cream. We use them all the time – eye creams and moisturizers help to minimize those pesky bags and shadows under our eyes. When you’re not properly hydrated and not getting enough sleep, you’re more likely to see these bags and shadows and turn to beauty products to hide them.
Acne medication. While acne is often largely hormonal, it may also relate to your lifestyle. Stress can also play a role in acne, as well as poor diet, too much alcohol, or substance abuse.

While the beauty of good health is a plus, it’s not the only reason why Women’s Health Month is important.

Serious Risks to Women’s Health

There are many potential health risks to women, such as breast cancer as well as cervical cancer and other issues related to the reproductive system. As they age, women also face increased risks of other health problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Not only that, but the fairer sex also often finds themselves struggling with anxiety and depression. In addition to working, completing chores, and fulfilling other responsibilities, women often find themselves dealing with the stress of caring for children and their parents at the same time. These obligations often make it hard for women to care for themselves properly, both physically and emotionally. They may find it difficult to get enough sleep and experience feelings of inadequacy. If their children leave home, empty nester women may feel lost. Such issues can make women feel depressed and anxious, making it difficult for them to care about — and take care of — themselves.

Making Time for Self-Care

While taking care of ourselves often feels like a foreign concept, it can make a difference in the health of women. Whether it’s making it to the doctor for that annual checkup, finding the time to get exercise and plan healthy meals, or practicing relaxing rituals, self-care is essential at all times in a woman’s life. Your self-care routine might look different than anyone else’s, but if it helps you create a healthy, happy version of yourself, it’s the best thing you can do to celebrate Women’s Health Month. If you’re not familiar with self-care, or you’re new to the practice, there are lots of ways to get started. You can:

Start a healthy workout routine.
Get enough rest.
Find something that you enjoy and do it at least a few times each week.
Talk with your friends.
Make time for health care appointments.
See a therapist if you’re struggling emotionally or mentally.
Seek addiction treatment if you’re abusing substances to cope with problems.

You’re a woman, and you can do practically anything, but in order to keep going strong, you need to put your health first. Sources nccc-online.org – Women’s Health Month everydayhealth.com – 6 Amazing Reasons to Sleep for Skin Health online.regiscollege.edu – Health Issues Specific to Women’s Health healthywomen.org – Celebrate Women’s Health Month by Caring for Yourself health.clevelandclinic.org – Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Advice for Women sunshinebehavioralhealth.com – Women’s Drug & Alcohol Rehab Resources

Medical disclaimer:

Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.

Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.