May 6, 2021
National Women’s Health Week 2021 will take place from May 9-15. This annual event always starts on Mother’s Day and is a great way to focus on women’s health.
This past year has presented even more challenges with everyone having to work from home. This would normally seem like a dream for some people, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the kids were also at home (in many cases), so parents had to balance work with homeschooling and parenting. Finding a balance has been difficult for many families, which has had a significant impact on mental health, especially for women.
In this post, we will look at three key areas that can make a difference in women’s physical and mental health. We will then look at some ways companies can support all their employees’ health and well-being.
Self-Care Is Super Important
As busy women, there is always the temptation to put others first, be that kids, partners, or family members. However, it is super important that you take the time to put yourself first throughout the week. In fact, make self-care part of your daily and weekly schedule.
These could be small treats during the week while the kids are at school. You could treat yourself to a nice lunch or have a dedicated quiet time when you can read, take a long soak in the bath or just take a nap!
For some women, spending some quality time with friends can help their mental health, so if this sounds like you, then it is time to set up that Zoom call or coffee meeting with a friend.
Self-care also involves a balanced diet and regular exercise, which we will talk about a bit more below.
Keep Active
Exercise is one of the best ways to decompress. It helps to reduce stress and releases all the nice chemicals in the body that enable us to relax. Even if you have a limited amount of time, there are still ways to stay active. There are many excellent online fitness and yoga classes available, which can be taken live if you need some accountability.
If you enjoy the gym, make a trip to the gym a regular part of your schedule. Got a baby or dog at home, then schedule a pleasant stroll with them. It will get you out of the house and breathing fresh air, which will help clear the mind and improve your focus.
It is also essential to stay active if you are working at home, make sure that you get away from your desk throughout the day. You can schedule regular breaks for standing, walking, and moving. This will help keep those aches and pains at bay.
You Are What You Eat
There is a reason why healthcare professionals across the globe issue this phrase. That is because your diet plays a massive role in your overall well-being. When we are busy, it is tempting to just snack when we have time or skip meals altogether.
This is never a good idea because the food we eat provides us with the fuel to keep active. Ensure that you have scheduled meal times and aim for a balanced diet full of all the important nutrients. It is a good idea to stay well-hydrated during the day.
If you have kids at home, you can get them involved in food preparation, making the whole process so much more fun!
Things That We Can Do in the Workplace for Women’s Health Week
It is always vital that we focus on our own physical and mental well-being, but companies can also support this journey. Whether you are working from home or your office has reopened, there are still things that your company can do to celebrate National Women’s Health Week.
- Health and Wellbeing Webinar – You can host an event for your staff on various topics around wellness, such as mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and time management. During the webinars, experts in these fields can present important information and strategies to help your staff lead healthier lives.
- Exercise Classes – From virtual yoga sessions to company-wide step challenges, the options are endless. The focus is on getting your employees moving as this can improve the energy levels in the office while also having numerous physical benefits.
- Food Activities – Food has the power to bring people together, so why not integrate activities such as healthy eating challenges and cook-offs into the company social calendar. These sessions can raise awareness of the importance of healthy eating while also bringing the team together in a fun way.
If you would like to introduce an Employee Wellness Program in your business, then contact us today to see how we can support you and your employees.
