Heart disease, respiratory conditions and cancer — according to the CDC, these are the most common causes of death when it comes to the average American woman. Of course, factors like genetics play into how susceptible you, in particular, are to conditions like these, but by incorporating healthy habits into your day-to-day life you can help reduce your risk and improve your overall health over time. Better yet, while most of these changes won’t take more than a few minutes to implement, the benefits just keep on coming.
1. Take some time for yourself.
Psychology Today suggests that taking breaks at work can increase productivity and creativity, but those benefits aren’t limited to the time you spend at the office. This same concept applies just as well to the rest of your life, from running errands and finishing chores to spending time with friends and family. All of these pieces of your life are important, but if you don’t let yourself rest and reset between them you’ll quickly end up on the path to burnout. As counterintuitive as it may seem when you feel pressed to check as many tasks as possible off of your to-do list, taking regular breaks to simply exist will allow you to be more productive when it comes time to get things done.
Check Your Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance doesn’t just provide financial perks in case of an emergency — it also gives you peace of mind that, should disaster strike, you’ll have the help you need to keep yourself healthy or combat any illness or disease that strikes. If you currently have health insurance, review your policy and contact your insurance company with any questions that come to mind. If you don’t have an up-to-date insurance plan or if you find that it’s not meeting your needs, do some research to find the insurance coverage that’s right for you. There’s plenty of information out there and if it seems overwhelming you can count on sources like Easy Medicare to provide quick and easy quotes for Medicare insurance, making sure you have the coverage you need before you need it.
3. Drink enough water.
There’s a good chance that, at some point in your life, someone told you to drink eight cups of water each day. But do you follow that guideline? Probably not. Recommendations vary but experts agree that the average woman should aim for approximately 11.5 cups each day of both water and other beverages. If you aren’t drinking much currently, you don’t need to suddenly increase your water intake to meet that recommendation — begin drinking a glass of water before each meal to stay hydrated and slowly work your way up to 10 or 11 cups.
4. Wear the correct bra size.
If you can’t remember the last time you were properly fitted for a bra, it might be time to check your sizing. If you choose to wear a bra, wearing the correct size can improve your posture and even your confidence. Wearing a high-quality bra in your correct size is equally important. You won’t believe how much better you feel when you’re properly supported. Say goodbye to back and neck pain and hello to holding your head up high. Head to your favorite bra shop and compare different sizes, shapes, and styles to find your new go-to bra for every occasion. While you’re there, pick up some matching panties or other lingerie for an extra feel-good boost!
5. Don’t forget your mental health.
Taking care of your physical health is critical, but keeping an eye on your mental health is just as important. Many women deal with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Seek out metal health resources and consider visiting a support group, counselor, or other mental health professional to talk through the stresses that make up your day-to-day life and work through any symptoms of mental illness you might deal with . Remember, anyone can benefit from therapy or other resources. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of finding the right mental health professional for you, WithTherapy is a good place to start. They help match people with the mental health professional who is right for them, making the whole process of getting started a lot less intimidating.
When it comes to staying healthy, small changes like finding the right insurance coverage or bra size can make a big difference. Take some time to make these adjustments and get a little healthier, one step at a time.
