When we nurture our mind, body, and spirit collectively out whole health and happiness improve. Mental health also includes emotional changes like depression, irritability and anxiety. These emotional changes can be related to life stressors, past events or hormone imbalances. These imbalances can lead to the onset or excessive "brain fog", lack of concentration or fatigue. It is important to discuss these issues with your women's health care provider. You can have your hormones evaluated for imbalances and discuss possible treatment options to optimize your hormones. We can nurture our mental well-being with continuing education, brain games, reading or traveling. We can also "turn off" and rest our busy minds with meditation, prayer and exercise. Some of benefit from talk therapy with a trained therapist, family member or close friend.
Our bodies are ever changing and require balanced nutrition and exercise to enhance their prime function. Vitamin deficiencies can also lead to excessive fatigue. These deficiencies can also be tested and restored with proper nutrition or supplementation if indicated. Nutritional health includes a well-balanced diet that provides our bodies with the energy that we need without leading to increased weight gain or fatigue. Take the time to discuss your diet with your women's health provider to determine which foods and/or supplements are best for you based on any allergies or intolerances. Exercising three to four times weekly for a minimum of 45 minutes is suggested for heart health, weight, and stress management. Our bodies require physical exercise to function at their peak performance. Exercised like walking, yoga, and pilates can help improve mobility, strength and bone density. We should also take time for preventative physical wellness like yearly gynecological exams and mammograms when indicated. These routine screenings can prevent most chronic illnesses with early detection.
We can also nurture our spirit by surrounding ourselves with love and others that lift us up. We can invest in our community and church with our gifts and talents. The rewards of a spiritual community are continous and can bring immeasurable joy not only to yourself but to those around you. Take time to take care of yourself, you deserve it.