In our fast-paced lives, while we juggle several roles at once–parent, partner, friend or professional–we often forget that the pillar supporting all these roles is our health. Without it, we can’t do much of anything productively and effectively. We all know that our health must come first, yet we continually violate this critical maxim.
In this blog post, we explore how understanding your body and self can be the first steps in prioritizing your health.
Know Your Body
Becoming familiar with your body, its rhythms and signals, is fundamental when the time comes to advocate for your health. Understanding what is normal for you in terms of your energy and sleep patterns, digestion, allergies, menstrual cycle, etc., can be key in identifying when something is wrong.
Following are some tips to help you know your body better:
- Keep a health journal: Keeping a record of your daily physical and emotional states, sleep quality, diet, activities and any symptoms or irregularities can help you recognize patterns or issues that need attention.
- Speak up: When interacting with healthcare professionals, be candid about your symptoms, concerns and history. You’re your best advocate.
- Educate yourself: Understand the basics of good health and preventive practices. This knowledge empowers you to ask pertinent questions during medical visits.
In this blog post, we explore how understanding your body and self can be the first steps in prioritizing your health.
Know Yourself
To take good care of yourself, you need to identify and understand your physical and emotional needs and acknowledge your limitations. Here are some guidelines to help you through this process:
- Reflection: Regularly take a moment to reflect on your state of mind and emotional wellbeing.
- Boundaries: Learn to say “no” when you’re over-extending yourself.
- Energy management: Identify activities that drain or boost your energy and adjust your schedule accordingly.
- Self-care: Engage in meditation, relaxation, mindfulness exercises or journaling to continuously assess and understand your evolving needs, desires and limitations.
For example, if you identify a pattern of fatigue following work-related social engagements or family reunions, schedule downtime afterwards to recharge.
6 Ways To Prioritize Your Health and Self-Care
1. Get Ample Rest Time
Do your best to get as much sleep as your body needs, whether it’s six hours or nine–everyone is different. A well-rested body promotes better physical, mental and emotional health.
2. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Nurturing relationships contribute to emotional well-being.
3. Enjoy Your in Hobbies
Practice an established hobby or explore a new one. Engaging in recreational activities boosts mental health.
4. Keep up With Annual Check-ups
Regular health screenings and check-ups are crucial for preventive care.
5. Eat Well
Maintain a balanced diet that supports your particular health needs.
6. Stay Active
Incorporate a form of physical exercise that you enjoy into your daily routine.
Prioritizing your health isn’t selfish. It’s a responsibility. By becoming attuned to your body and self, advocating for your needs, and following through with self-care practices, you build a strong foundation that not only supports your multifaceted life but also enriches it.
For more information, watch PowerUp Talk #49 with Dr. Annie Vaillant: “Know Your Body.”
