Though many health habits are universal for both men and women, some are more important for women to master. Women’s bodies have specific needs and this applies to their overall health. There are certain habits that every woman should develop for a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally.
1. Take Time for Yourself
There seems to be a certain wiring in a woman’s brain that makes her prone to taking care of others’needs before her own. As a woman, taking time for yourself may feel like an undeserved luxury. However, you need to sit down and enjoy a moment to yourself for the sake of mental health. Indulging in something you enjoy every now and then helps you stay sane and feel whole.
2. Socialize
Even introverted women need to talk to someone now and again. For some, socializing means attending a wild party - talking to as many people as possible before the night ends. For others, it means having an in-depth conversation with just one or two close friends at home. Either way, it’s an excellent way to release pent up emotions and get the support that all women crave.
3. Exercise the Way You Want
According to Pierce J. Howard, Ph.D. and author of The Owner’s Manual for the Brain, “The stress of engaging in exercise that is not of your choosing can outweigh its health benefits.” This is especially true for women who need pleasant exercise to balance their emotions and tone their bodies. Women who are serious about their health will discover their very own exercise personalities and indulge in that exercise at healthy levels.
4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is an important part of health for anyone, and there are many conditions that make getting a good night of sleep nearly impossible. One common cause for this in women is undiagnosed sleep apnea. According to GoodMorningSnoreSolution.co.uk, women are significantly less likely to get diagnosed for sleep apnea, most often because of social factors.
5. Eat Breakfast
Studies have proven time and time again that eating a healthy breakfast boosts metabolism and helps target that pesky belly and hip fat that’s so common in women. According to one study, nearly 80 percent of those who maintained a 30-pound weight loss within a year ate breakfast as soon as they got up every morning. Breakfast also provides the nutrition and energy you need to keep going during your busy day.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Getting the proper amount of water daily is one of the healthiest things a woman can do. The amount of water needed depends on her size, but as a general rule, women should drink half of their body weight in ounces each day. The extra hydration helps to add moisture to the skin and hair, which revitalizes the appearance.
7. Manage Cravings
Women have always had a harder time keeping the pounds off than men, and a large part of that is due to the cravings women experience. These cravings lead to increased comfort eating and excess weight gain. Healthy women learn to manage these cravings, boost their intake of nutritional foods, and decrease their intake of sugary, unhealthy foods.
One way that many have found success in managing their cravings is creating a meal plan and sticking to it on a daily basis. By planning what you’ll eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between, you’ll find it increasingly easier to stick to your nutritious diet and enjoy a much healthier you.