Top 10 health tips for city women
1. Exercise – From auto rickshaws who’ll take you
anywhere to shops and restaurants that’ll deliver anything, it’s almost like
cities are designed to make a person inactive. Plus, it’s really easy to just
spend all your time in the daily chores of life. That’s why it’s important to
make exercising a priority and take an hour out at least 5 times a week for a
workout. Exercising not only keeps you in shape, but it also releases
pheromones, which are known to have a positive effect on your mood.
2. Take time out for yourself – From your taskmaster
of a boss to your Bollywood-esque romance, and your hectic social life to that
to-do list that never gets fully ticked, we get that your life is busy! But
don’t just spend all your time doing things for others. Make sure you take some
time everyday for yourself. Paint, cook or just meditate – just remember to make
yourself a priority.
3. Health check-ups – Typically, in India we don’t
take periodic health checks seriously. It’s important to realise that one visit
a year the doctor can prevent so many visits in the future. This is especially
true for women over 30. Speak to your doctor about getting a mammogram, Pap
smear and bone density check right now and you’ll be ensuring many years of
health in the future
4. Sleep – There is no doubt that a productive day is
dependent on the quality of sleep you’ve had. Make sure you get the hours of
sleep your body needs.
5. Stay hydrated – One thing that often gets missed
out in the hustle-bustle of city life is good old water! Carry a bottle with
you and try and get at least 2 litres a day. Fresh lime-water or herbal teas
are also good substitutes, but avoid sugary aerated drinks.
6. Eat well and regularly – You’re working late,
you’re hungry and crabby, the samosa guy comes along and you decide to have
one. Heck, you’ve been working hard, you deserve it. No, you don’t! Your body
deserves much better than a stale, oily samosa. Make eating regular meals a
priority in your life. It’ll help you stay healthy and looking slim. Good food
with a balance of nutrients also helps to keep your skin glowing and hair shiny.
It’s a win-win all the way.
7. Plan – Women tend to balance many balls in the air
on any given day. And this can lead to a lot of stress – one of the biggest
causes of many diseases today. One tip to staying stress-free is to plan things
in advance. Writing things down will allow you to take only an amount you can
handle. Also, don’t try to be a superwoman and delegate whenever possible.
8. Look after your skin – India tends to be hot and
dusty. This coupled with the rising levels of pollution in the city can take
quite a toll on our skin. Find skincare products that suit you and a regimen
that you can follow with ease. At the very least, make sure you wash your face at
least twice a day. This should be followed even if you’ve been at home all day.
Also, don’t forget that all-important sunscreen.
9. Be responsible for your own sexual health –
Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or dating sporadically, you have to
be responsible for your own health and safety. Don’t leave anything to chance
and find a contraceptive that works for you. Remember, STIs are very real and
can happen to anyone, so make sure you indulge in safe sex using a condom.
10. Stay happy – Mental well-being is as important as
physical health. Chat with your girlfriends, go on a vacation or indulge in
some retail therapy – make sure you do something that makes you happy!
