For most young women who juggle between their career, family and friends, their health becomes an afterthought. More often than not, it’s the smart, educated women who put off visiting the doctor, even when it should be high on the priority list. You may be hail and hearty, but there are still some health mistakes all women make at some point in their lives. Read on to see if you are making them too.
1. Not getting enough sleep.
Sleep deprivation has long-term effects that go far beyond waking up with that groggy feeling. We all know that we need 7 to 10 hours of sleep, but what many of us don’t know is that women need more sleep than men. So ladies, make sure you get ample nap time.
2. Not drinking enough water.
From constipation to early wrinkling of skin, not drinking enough water can create havoc for your body and your mind. Yes, you read it right. Dehydration can cause mood swings as well. Besides, drinking enough water can help maintain optimum weight and make you look younger. Grab a glass already, will you?
3. Working out too much.
Yes, there is such a thing as working out too much. In our fitness-obsessed world, many of us make this mistake. While it’s good to have a regular fitness regime, make sure you give your body enough recouping time.
4. Or, not working out at all.
You may be young and agile now, but if you want to be fit at 50, it is important to exercise those muscles. Without proper exercise, your body will age sooner than it should. Exercise boosts immunity, so without it, you will be more susceptible to diseases.
5. Spending too many hours at work.
Most of the jobs these days are sedentary. But long working hours not only contribute to poor physical health but also emotional stress. Work-life balance may be difficult to achieve, but it is every bit worth it.
6. Ignoring seemingly minor issues, that may actually be important signs.
We don’t think much about brushing off a nagging cough, back twinge, or a bout of indigestion. However, these seemingly benign signs might be indicative of a more serious underlying issue.
7. Ignoring period pain and irregularities.
We think that cramps, clots and scanty periods are just a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Wrong. Many women out there don’t even notice when they have their period. So, if you have unbearable cramps, nausea, fever or excessive bleeding, don’t ignore it, because you might have Dysmenorrhea. And you don’t have to live with it.
8. Not eating right.
Know the saying, “a moment on the lips, forever on the hips?” It’s true. Your metabolism may be fast and efficient while you’re in your twenties, but if you don’t watch what you eat now, you will find it difficult to stay fit later.
9. Or, following strict diets.
It has become fashionable to follow a vegan or a paleo or whatever the latest diet is. But the thing about dieting is that it often leads to deficiency of some sort or another because of the elimination of important nutrients. The thing with food is that anything goes, as long as you have a balanced diet, and eat in moderation.
10. Sidelining bone health.
Bones form the basic foundation of our body. Healthy bones and joints is what helps us walk, run and move, and do the things we want to do. This is why it is important that women realise that for overall health, it is important to stay #StrongToTheBone. Find out how others are keeping their bones strong, and join in the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.
