Fill Your Cup First!

December 13, 2024

You cannot pour from an empty cup. You may have heard that saying or seen it as a social media meme. It means that for us to take care of others, we must first take care of ourselves. That’s very true for women, who are often caretakers of their children, their grandchildren or even their aging parents. 

Here are things you can focus on to improve your self-care:

Set — and keep — your own doctor appointments. Make the time and take the time to visit your primary care provider (PCP) for your yearly checkups. Don’t forget to ask about screenings you should have — and get those when your doctor recommends them. 

Exercise. We can’t say enough about the benefits of being more active. It helps you stay at a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure, as well as lower your risk for other health problems. It also strengthens your immune system, not to mention your mental health!

Eat healthy. Food is medicine, so give your body what it needs. That means eating a balanced diet of protein, grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Avoid highly processed foods and meats.

Manage your stress. Stress in women is linked to heart problems, headaches and migraines, stomach issues, obesity, and menstrual (period) problems. It can also make it harder to get pregnant. There are lots of resources to help you manage and lower your stress. Check out these stress management tips for women from the American Heart Association.

Sleep tight. Getting enough sleep affects every part of your health. Lack of sleep can increase the risk for diabetes, heart disease, weight gain, high blood pressure, stroke and depression. Women are more likely to have problems with sleep due to their hormones. Aim for 7 – 9 hours of sleep each night to keep your mind body, and soul healthy.  

The bottom line is to put yourself first. Self-care is not selfish. So, as you make your daily to-do list, make sure you are at the top! Be sure to check out the Health and Wellness page on our website for more info and resources. 

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_{The American Heart Association is an independent company that offers health information you may find helpful.}