Women in the business world understand the true meaning of multi-tasking, stress and time management. Regardless of how rewarding one’s career may be, the dedication and effort that we put into our everyday work will take its toll if we do not give ourselves the same care and attention that we devote to our work, family, friends and causes.
I find all too often in the totem pole of life priorities, many people put their health on the bottom. It is almost as if this category is viewed as a luxury or extra recreational item that we ‘don’t have time for’. I assure you that this is not true. There is good reason to put nutrition, fitness and rest back at the top of the totem pole. Sometimes we feel guilty devoting this time and recognition to ourselves; however, you cannot be strong to do any of those other things or for those other individuals in your life if you let your own health suffer.
Often we look at New Year’s as a time to set goals and resolutions for the year to come. As we proceed through the month of September and have recently passed Labor Day, I always recommend using this time frame as a “second New Year’s”. The season will begin to change, for many the school year will begin, days will shorten and holidays will soon be approaching (gulp!). Now is the time to take a moment and assess where you are with your health goals and where you would like to be. What has worked so far? What didn’t work, and why? Take some time to evaluate your progress towards your resolutions or goals. If you did not have any goals earlier in the year, maybe now is a good time to set some in place. Be an example to your co-workers! Think of what a positive change could begin to take place if you were to inspire those around you to have more energy and feel stronger and healthier. The odds would be in favor of the work itself to move upward as well.
Some food for thought on assessing your health position:
Take accountability for where you have struggled, whether it is with what you eat, how often you exercise or any bad habits you have picked up. Don’t beat yourself up about it; think about how you can make a change.
Write it down! As you decide what your plans and goals are for the remainder of the year, write them down on a piece of paper and keep it where you can see it and remind yourself on a daily basis.
Keep it reasonable. You can only reach your goals if you truly believe you can. It is good to challenge yourself, but make sure you commit and follow through with whatever ideas that you decide upon.
Start each day with a smile and a positive attitude! Everyone has an off day. If you didn’t, then you would be the exception. Make sure to start each new day with the positive feelings of success towards your health!
Important post, Sarah. Our health is our greatest gift, to treasure and to respect its needs. I think where woman struggle most with their health is around getting enough sleep. Sleep is our natural way to revitalize and nourish our bodies and our minds. I log at least 8 hours a night and sometimes, when I hsve been too stressed out or worked up about something, I do a sleep marathon and when I awake I am like a new person.
More sleep, ladies!
How about a Priestess eye pillow to reduce light pollution – number one cause of not going deep enough into sleep?!
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Sarah, you made a very good point: it is important for mothers to take some time for their needs and not feel guilty about it; stress and unhealthy attitudes have an impact on their family and especially on the kids.
it is sort of like in the airplane travel where during the safety instructions they say to put on your oxygen mask first and then help the others (i.e. kids) put it on.
good job!
I have nothing else to say but THANK YOU for reminding me these very informative post. I would work all day and all night without thinking of my health.
This is good, timely advice. I would add just one thing: don’t put off scheduling an appointment with your family doctor. I know too many women who will acknowledge they have a health challenge and then try to be do-it-yourself-ers and “fix” themselves. Make that appointment to be sure that your blood pressure level is reasonable; make sure your blood sugar levels are not an issue; get those “woman” tests done. Earlier this year I finally made an appointment to see my doctor about something I thought was unimportant – found out it wasn’t a small thing at all. We can’t take proper care of others if we’re falling apart, no matter how much we’d like to.