By: Tayler Glenn
Calling all women: today is National Women’s Health + Fitness Day! As a nationwide celebration, females of all ages and generations will join in the nation-wide effort to focus attention on the importance of regular exercise and healthy living for women. With more than 500 groups across the country hosting their own unique events, joining in on the fun is easy! Find out how you can jump in:
Check for local events
Everywhere from hospitals, community centers, gyms, and senior living homes are going to be offering speakers, classes, and workouts to raise awareness and get your body moving! Check with your gym, library, dance studio, and city information center to find out which events are coming near you. Facebook also offers a great tool for finding events in your area if you prefer to find your activities that way!
Try a new sport
There are so many ways to get active and fit, so why do we limit ourselves to the weight room and treadmill? If you’ve been thinking about joining that Zumba class or basketball team, now’s a perfect time! Learning a new sport is not only good for your cardiovascular system, but it can help you lose weight and boost your brain by learning a new skill!
Try a new superfood
You might not feel like Superwoman every day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat like one! Superfoods are nutrient-dense, power-packed foods that can add a little extra excitement to your diet. If you lean towards a veggie-heavy diet, try adding kale, broccoli, beets, or turnips to your dinner dish. If you’re thinking something sweeter, pumpkin, apples, ginger, and blueberries can curb that craving with added antioxidants!
Take some “you” time
While much of the focus is on getting active, being busy 24/7 can lead to a buildup of stress which is more harmful than you’d think. Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health when it comes to overall wellbeing, so take some time to gauge your stress levels. There’s nothing wrong with taking an hour or two to go sit with a book in a quiet cafe, take a walk along a local trail, or settle down in a hot bath. Whatever it is, make sure you take note of your self-care today as well as your physical activity!
Turn in early
Another often overlooked aspect of health and wellness is sleep. Most adults don’t get nearly enough sleep, and it makes a difference in your daily life and health. Getting less sleep than you need has been linked to everything from weight gain to decreased performance at work + school. Getting your eight hours, however, has been connected to a better memory, a healthier immune system, elevated mood and curbed cravings. Try making a point to turn in an hour earlier and see how you wake up feeling in the morning!
Whether you’re a college student, stay-at-home parent, or working mom, your busy schedule can overwhelm any time you might have to focus on your own health + wellbeing. That’s why days like these are so important! Although heart attacks, stroke, and cardiovascular disease affect both men and women, women are more likely to die from them. Focusing on self-care gives you a chance to take charge of your health and lead an active, full life.
How are you focusing on your health during National Women’s Health & Fitness Day? Tell us in the comments!
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