Women's Health Is More Than Doctors Visits and Treatments

Being a woman is a hard job. We can have many titles, some that include mom, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Throwing in a terminal disease like cancer can only complicate our busy, hectic, and sometimes crazy lives.

We are so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves most of the time. Health is essential, especially women's health. Women are essential to many family units.

Why do we let ourselves go as women?

If being a woman is so important, why do we let ourselves go while others get first-class treatment? I don't know about you, but I would starve to feed my kid. I would buy a new outfit for my child but never think about spending that money on myself.

My husband comes home to a clean house, laundry done, and dinner ready, which I love to do for him, don't get me wrong, but it's only fair that we also get taken care of. My husband is excellent about pitching in and doing his part, but sometimes others just don't get it. We need mental breaks; not just breaks from chores and the kids.

Then if we do get those breaks, we feel guilty for taking them. Why?

Tips on taking care of our mental and physical health

1. Take a mental break. If you have children, leave them with a sitter and GET OUT. I do not mean grandma picks up the kids, and you stay home and clean. Alone or with a friend, or even a date night if you prefer that, but you have to leave the house. The house is where many of our stresses are, so leaving and forgetting that massive pile of laundry is good for your mental health. Visit a bookstore, a coffeehouse, or the mall and buy YOURSELF something small. Do something you enjoy that you never get to do alone.
2. Exercise. Probably the most important thing you can do for your health. Walking is a perfect way to exercise and work on your mental health. Take a walk at the park or the beach, even around the block of your neighborhood, and enjoy the fresh air. Taking a class at a fitness center can also be good for your well-being and health. Invite a friend or family member, then go out for smoothies after.
3. Self-care for your body and mind. Take a long hot bath. Light some candles, add Epsom salt to the bathwater, get yourself a bath pillow and some lavender soaps, and relax. Epsom salts are great for relieving tension and muscle aches. The lavender is calming and helps with anxiety and stress. Don't have a bathtub? Get a shower chair and take a long hot shower, which can be as satisfying as a bath. Sit on the chair and let the hot water run down your neck and back. Massage your legs with a lavender soap body wash or loofa and forget the world for 15 minutes.

Women's health is not just medications, doctor's visits, and treatments. Take care of your mind and body to be the woman everyone wants you to be.