I often encounter women who share challenges they face when taking better care of themselves.
Their roles typically include:
- Family responsibilities.
- Caring for an elderly parent or children.
- Work obligations along with other roles
Things such as exercise, eating nutritious and well-balanced meals, or getting adequate sleep are often neglected.
Many women functioning at high-stress levels may not even recognize their needs.
Chronic stress has the potential to increase one’s risk of health problems, including depression and anxiety, heart problems, and headaches.
February is American Heart Month which raises awareness around heart disease.
According to the CDC, heart disease, refers to several types of heart conditions.
There is a lifestyle behavior reported to help prevent heart disease.
It is exercise, something many of us struggle with.
You probably can relate to the famous phrase behind the reason most people do not exercise, “I don’t have enough time.”
Here are three strategies that have helped me make exercise a priority. Plus, it assisted me with working towards reaching the recommended number of minutes for moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 150 minutes each week.
- I got rid of the all-or-nothing mindset. I considered the bare minimum and most tangible thing I could do. Whether I did three 10 minute-segments five days each week or a 10-minute walk on a busy day, I started with some “low hanging fruit” and added on from there.
- I habit stacked. Habit stacking is simply stacking a new behavior on top of an existing one. This was a great approach, especially for making great strides in introducing exercise into my schedule.
- For example, after brushing your teeth in the morning, meditate for 5 minutes, then add on time to jot down several things you are grateful for that day.
- I incorporated positive environmental cues. Specific environmental triggers were set up in my home to help me stay motivated and stick to my exercise goal. This does not have to be complicated.
- For example, it can be as simple as putting an encouraging message or phrase on your nightstand or setting a motivational image as a background image on your phone.
The CDC also reported that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.
Part of living our authentic selves includes being mindful of how we treat our bodies.
God’s word says, “I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually].” 1 John3:2 AMP
We must do our part to foster good health, so let us tune in to what our bodies tell us. It speaks to us daily. We just have to learn how to listen to it.
Whether it is adopting better eating habits, managing your stress, or weight loss, what is one thing you are willing to do to improve your heart health?
Disclaimer: This information shared with you does not serve as medical advice. Be sure to have a conversation with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen. Your doctor will consider your medical history, age, and other considerations to determine what works best for you.
Sources:
Women and Heart Disease | cdc.gov