Did you know that it is Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week (2nd-6th of September)?
Being a women I think it’s great that there is a week that highlights the importance of Women’s health and encourages women to take the opportunity to think about their current wellbeing.
One of the themes for Women’s Health Week is Mighty Movement, something I am really passionate about as an Osteopath understanding the importance of movement on both our physical and mental health.
In the clinic I have many conversations with people about increasing their general movement and physical activity. A common theme that is consistent for most women in preventing them from regular activity is lack of time and being too busy. Unfortunately our modern lifestyles mean we are often juggling many responsibilities and finding time to prioritise ourselves is very difficult.
In this day and age we are moving less and sitting more. Improvements in technology has meant that many tasks such as walking to the bank are now completed at the computer, and at work instead of getting up and having a discussion with a colleague at the other end of the office we send an email.
Many of us understand the benefits of physical activity but still find it hard to find the motivation to fit it into our busy schedules. Stress and tiredness are also common roadblocks to participating in a regular exercise routine. In order for you to be successful in participating in more physical activity it is often easier to start with small, simple steps that you can easily implement instead of making big sweeping changes to your lifestyle.
Mighty movement. Getting more active doesn’t necessarily mean making big changes. Start small!
Here are some simple tips to increase your physical activity:
Build physical activity into your daily commute. Park a block away and walk.
Don’t have lunch in the office, go outside and walk over your lunch break.
Try doing some short bursts of activity throughout the day for example; a short workout at your desk (you can even get your colleagues involved), a short brisk walk or skipping rope.
If you’re at a kids outdoor sport, do some laps of the oval or do a simple workout whilst watching them.
Organise a catch up with friends that is active eg. walk or bike ride.
Give yourself more time throughout the week to fit in exercise by involving the whole family in chores around the house, online grocery shopping, cooking bulk meals for the week ahead.
Walk the dog.
Get outdoors with the kids, take them to the park, throw the ball, go exploring along the river or Nail Can.
Schedule in exercise, use a planner on the fridge and tick off when you have completed your activity for the day. This can make you more accountable but also feel rewarding to see that you have stuck to your goals.
Make yourself a priority. You are much more effective for others when you look after yourself.
You can find a lot more information about Women’s Health information, including more tips on Mighty Movement, Bathroom Boss (bladder and bowel health), Reproductive Wrap Up, Treasure Chest (heart and breast health) at www.womenshealthweek.com.au and www.jeanhailes.org.au.