Women's health: Looking after yourself in these busy times

Women's health: Looking after yourself in these busy times

Women play so many roles in life, but they often forget to look after number one. Let's change that...

Women drinking coffee in the office iStock
women drinking coffee in the office

Modern women are breaking down barriers and putting to bed the stereotypes of the past. 

However, what this means in modern times is that women have so much more to juggle, with their careers on equal footing with being a mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter, and all-round superwoman.

We're here for women showing their superhero powers for the world to see on a daily basis, but it is important to remember that with all these responsibilities comes the potential for burnout, both mentally and physically.

READ: How to ease the effects of ageing

As we celebrate Women's Month in South Africa, we wanted to encourage our special ladies out there to ensure they look after themselves so that they can live a happy, long life.

Mental Health

Get the kids ready for school. Pack bags and lunches. Head out in traffic. Drop off the kids. Fight more traffic to the office. Attend endless meetings. Tackle work and projects. Ensure the family is fed. Ensure the family is getting enough rest. The list goes on and on and on.

Sounds familiar, right?

That's just a fraction of the modern woman's day.

As a result, the pressures of being a superwoman at home and in the office can take a toll on your mental health. There is no shame in admitting to that and it's important to manage your mental health as best as possible.

Whether that is by seeing a psychologist or taking a walk in nature, we all have our ways of trying to cope with stress and the heavy weight of daily life in a fast-paced world.

For those women who need a little bit of assistance in this regard, why not look at taking a supplement to ease those stress levels? You can find one such supplement HERE.

However, if you or anyone you know is constantly struggling with mental health issues and the stress is compounding, please contact one of the numbers below:

Suicide Crisis Helpline
0800 567 567

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline
0800 12 13 14
SMS 32312

READ: How to ease the effects of overindulgence

Physical Health

Ensuring you maintain peak physical health requires a holistic approach.

Diet and physical exercise are vital in ensuring your body is kept in tip-top condition, but we know just how difficult it can be to get this right in today's world.

In terms of physical exercise, it is all about consistency. Now, this does not mean you have to run 10km every morning and climb 500 flights of stairs; what this means is that any form of exercise from walking for 10 minutes a day and doing squats before heading to work to taking a yoga class every Saturday will contribute to your overall physical health. Just remember, consistency is key and you need to find what works for you.

However, you must be careful of burnout and fatigue, as doing too much can take its toll on your body, which in turn will make going about your daily routine a problem.

If you suffer from burnout, fatigue, and the dreaded stress, taking a magnesium supplement will help to relieve muscle cramps, fatigue, and the effects of stress. It also improves recovery after exercise. Check out this magnesium option HERE.

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Then comes the age-old adage, "You are what you eat".

No, this does not mean you have to be a saint when it comes to eating. It just means you need to be a bit more conscious of what it is you are consuming and try to be consistent with healthy eating. Remember, you are human after all.

One way you can boost your intake of all the good stuff if you feel that you have had one too many cheat meals in the last few weeks, is a multi-vitamin.

Multi-vitamins provide a nutritious supply of vitamins and minerals and also offer a healthy boost to the immune system. If you need a supplement to assist you, CLICK HERE.

Ladies, please don't be hard on yourselves if you don't get it right all the time. We are proud of you and always will be. Happy Women's Month!

READ: Top 4 ways to prep for winter health

Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist on any health-related issues.

Arrie Nel and Mopani Pharmacy campaign banner
Arrie Nel / Mopani Pharmacy

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