You may see her around. She is glowing, confident and she greets everyone with eye contact and a smile. She’s probably successful in her career. She has a loving family and a strong support system. She is healthy and vibrant. She wasn’t born this way, though. She’s put in a lot of behind the scenes work to become the woman you see today. Who is she? And what can you learn from her?
A healthy life can look a little different for everyone. It’s not a size, shape or weight. What it is is a series of successful habits created and maintained through conscious effort. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. Have a look at these 10 habits of a healthy woman and think about which ones you can adopt.
1. She understands that numbers don’t mean a thing.
The number on the scale is not an indication of health. You may have heard that muscle weighs more than fat. It’s so true. Step away from the scale and instead focus on how you’re feeling—energy levels, clear thinking, even how your stomach and digestion feel.
2. She knows that health starts from the inside, out.
A 100 pound person eating junk food every day of their life is much less healthy than a 200 pound person who eats right and stays active. They say you can’t outrun a bad diet. Make sure you are taking care of that beautiful body by fueling it with foods that are good for it. What you put into your body matters!
3. She understands that mental health is just as (maybe even more) important than physical health.
Toxic thoughts can eat away at your insides. No matter what shape your body is in, if the thoughts in your head are constantly negative, you are neglecting your mental health. Our thoughts affects the way we react and even the way our bodies function. Mental health has a big impact on our stress levels. Happiness is a mindset. If you feel you might need help, I implore you to speak to a medical professional.
4. She has a plan.
Setting goals gives you long-term vision. It provides a sense of clarity, purpose and direction. It motivates you to strive for what you believe in. Big or small, everyone should write down their goals and their plans to reach them.
5. She loves to move.
You could eat perfectly clean every day, but without movement, it won’t make much of a difference. Referring to the old scientific saying, an object in motion tends to stay in motion: our bodies are designed to move. You don’t have to hit the gym 7 days per week. You don’t have to go to the gym at all, in fact. Staying active can look like taking a dance class on Saturday nights, yoga, biking to work a few days per week, or chasing the kids around the park. Daily movement becomes a habit. A healthy body needs to move.
6. She cultivates friendships.
Multiple studies have shown that humans are social creatures. We crave relationships. Having a support system helps improve self confidence, self worth and reduces stress. Find people who lift you up when you’re down, who listen wholeheartedly, who love and respect you for who you are and who help push you out of your comfort zone from time to time.
7. She knows that sleep matters.
It’s one of the most basic human needs. High-quality sleep—meaning not disrupted by tvs or cell phones—is essential for the rest of your body to function properly. Turn off electronics 30 minutes before bed. Leave your phone to charge in another room, if possible. Meditating before bed can help you fall asleep easier because it focuses on deep breathing and calms racing thoughts. Lavender essential oils, magnesium and melatonin are all herbal supplements that aid in relaxation and sleep.
8. She doesn’t neglect her medical health.
Getting a check-up routinely is just a smart thing to do, regardless if you feel fine or not. Monthly self-breast exams, cycle tracking and noting existing moles (and if they ever change) are all habits of a healthy woman. No one knows your body better than you do. If you feel off, be sure to speak with your doctor.
9. She refuses to chase perfection.
The comparison game is real, y’all. In the age of social media, it’s become too easy to believe that those perfectly poised and polished photos are how everyone but you lives. The healthy woman knows that’s a load of bullshit and doesn’t play the comparison game when she’s scrolling. If you start feeling insecurities come up as you’re looking through your social media, turn it off. Set your phone or computer down. Walk away. You are worthy and wonderful and a stupid app should not make you feel anything less.
10. She loves and accepts herself every single day.
It’s not always easy. She has bad days and good days. But her love for herself never waivers. She knows her worth as a human being. She knows that there is no one else like her and her uniqueness is beautiful. She knows that life is a work in progress. She celebrates movement and positive thinking daily.
