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It’s that time of year where discussions typically arise about the various pernicious diseases that can afflict our fairer sex. The month of May brings us Women’s Health Week and, as a practicing physician, I can attest to the damage brought about by some of these diseases. Rather than take a deep dive into the rates of breast cancer and heart disease, however, I’d like to take a softer tone, and discuss the concept of Self-Care.
As women, we are wired to be nurturing caregivers, placing the wellbeing of others above our own. I am, like any mother, committed to being around long enough to watch my kids grow up, but I’m very aware that I struggle to succeed at the balancing act required to fulfill this wish.
I recently went to an appointment with a hormone specialist, one that I had booked months ago, and I was somewhat shocked to find that this simple act made me feel so much better – empowered even!
We’ve all heard the phrase “place the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others,” and we acknowledge that we’re truly hampered in our ability to take care of others when we are feeling stretched or weak. So why do we continue to put the (metaphorical) oxygen mask on others before ourselves?
Studies done by Utah State University have shown that consistent self care can actually “increase concentration, diminish depression and anxiety, decrease stress and frustration, and increase energy and happiness.”
There are real, tangible benefits to taking care of yourself!
Aside from the conclusion that self care can make you a better person, and parent, it can also “positively affect our physical health by decreasing stroke, cancer, and heart disease.”
Armed with this knowledge, perhaps we can be more motivated to finally take action.
Overcoming a lack of time is one of the main obstacles for most of us. Suggestions from researchers for how to tackle this include:
-Giving yourself permission to engage in self-care and planning a specific time for it; -Making self-care intentional and consistent;
-Enlisting the help/support of family and friends;
-Personalizing your self-care routine to fit your lifestyle and needs.
As I think about self-care, I am reminded of the reason I was motivated to establish a Medical Spa in the first place. A spontaneous invitation to a “Botox party” years ago brought me face to face with a group of women and men who were doing exactly that. They had made time for their own self-care, they had enlisted the support of some friends, and the very act of turning up, let alone getting the treatments, brought them more happiness than I thought would be possible from something so simple. The experience was completely surprising, but it made me excited about the possibility of giving others that sense of empowerment through this kind of work.
Obviously “self-care” is a concept that is highly personal, but whether your needs involve a walk in the park, a few minutes of quiet meditation, or a treatment at your local MedSpa, I encourage you to make the time to pursue it. Be gentle with yourself, and be committed to consistency. The science is clear: Self-care is good for your health, your mood, your family and your future.
Happy Women’s Health Week!