Embracing a Holistic Approach to Women’s Health in the New Year

Welcome to the New Year – a time of fresh starts and renewed commitments, in this first blog post of 2024 I want to focus on Women’s health.

As we step into this new chapter, it’s crucial to prioritise our health, especially for women who often juggle multiple roles. This year and from now on,  let’s focus on a holistic approach to health, addressing not just physical, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Understanding Holistic Health

Holistic health is the practice of treating the individual as a whole. For women, this means looking beyond physical symptoms and considering emotional, mental, and social factors that contribute to overall well-being. The connection between mind and body is undeniable, and understanding this interplay is key to achieving optimal health. Try it, picture yourself eating a lemon, what happened? You felt the salivary glands activate, a basic mind body response.

Key Components of Lifestyle Medicine

Nutrition: A balanced diet is foundational to good health. Women’s nutritional needs vary with age, hormonal changes, and lifestyle. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods supports hormonal balance, bone strength, and overall vitality. It’s hard to navigate the plethora of information out there so if you need direction find someone that has a multi-disciplinary approach rooted in established traditional medicine.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise is not just about physical fitness; it also boosts mental health and emotional well-being. In many clinical trials exercise has outperformed anti depression medications. Embracing a Holistic Approach to Women’s Health in the New Year. Even simple activities like walking or yoga can have profound effects on our health.

Sleep and Rest: Quality sleep is essential for hormonal regulation, mood stability, proper functioning of the circadian clock and overall health. Establishing a regular sleep routine can significantly improve life quality.

Remember to have a wind down hour before you go to bed, put away the phone, don’t eat after 7pm, have proper curtains that block the light in your bedroom. If your pineal gland senses light you won’t release melatonin which is your sleep hormone and hey presto, you can’t sleep.

Special Considerations for Women’s Health

Reproductive Health: Women’s health is deeply connected to their reproductive health. Understanding menstrual cycles, managing pregnancy healthily, and navigating menopause with care are vital.

Bone Health: Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis. A diet rich in calcium (remember there’s more calcium in broccoli than cows milk) and vitamin D, along with regular weight-bearing exercise, is crucial for maintaining strong bones.

Embracing Mindfulness and Emotional Well-Being

Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into daily life can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity. This can not be understated.. It doesn’t mean sitting for half an hour twice a day although that’s fantastic if you do. Small pauses during the day are a great way to start.

So instead of going from activity to activity with no mindful break, practice connecting with one of your senses for a minute when you’ve finished one task and just before you’ve started another my favourites are touch and listening. Close your eyes and feel the weight of your body on the floor or chair.. listen to the sounds in the room.. we never truly listen. you might be surprised at what you hear.. 

Building a Supportive Community: Strong social connections are vital for emotional health. You will live longer.. fact. Also make sure the people you surround yourself with are able to have a good laugh!  Your heart will thank you. Live your life so that even the undertaker cries at your funeral. Finding or creating a community for sharing experiences and support can be incredibly beneficial.

This year, let’s empower ourselves with knowledge and conscious choices. Each step towards a healthier lifestyle, no matter how small, is a step towards a fuller, more vibrant life. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Reach out, seek guidance, and take proactive steps towards a healthier you.