Yes, we all know 2020 was a challenging year and it feels like we are in a new world. But Girl, you made it and didn’t give in to the many barriers. We are in a new year 2021 and most people get into the routine of writing down the usual New year resolutions and goals they wish to achieve. Most of us get ambitious and start running with these goals without a plan and do not focus on taking care of ourselves.
A study by World Health Organization (WHO) reported that, lifestyle contribute about 60% of individual health and quality of life. People indulge in unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, unhealthy diet, no medical checkups, anxiety, too much alcohol, drug abuse, unhealthy weight, no exercise, stress, and so on which leads to illness, disability and even death. Millions of people living unhealthy lifestyles end up with health issues including metabolic diseases, joint and skeletal problems, cardio-vascular diseases, hypertension, overweight, violence and so on, which most are listed on the top 10 causes of death and disability from 2009 – 2019. Lifestyle has a significant influence on our physical and mental health of the human being. Along the path of overachieving, seeking perfection and always looking to the future, we lost ourselves and forget our physical and emotional needs.
In 2021, let’s all make an effort to invest in ourselves as individuals to live wholly and enjoy our present whilst we plan for the future. As women, we end up taking care of others and forget about us. We know you’re doing a good work with supporting others and going extra mile which is sometimes not recognized or appreciated. Don’t do it all at the expense of yourself. This time connect with yourself to know who you are and what you want – live life from inside out each day instead of postponing to the future. We all acknowledge that challenges, changes and hardships cannot be avoided… but they come to make us grow stronger. But remember, we are amazing and capable of adapting, healing and embrace these circumstances with love and compassion.
Get to Know Yourself
“To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom” ~ Socrates
Self- knowledge is important to help you understand your identity, personality and make decisions about your life. Asking yourself questions like “who am I?” May seem weird but it helps you realize who you truly are and what you want in life. When you know yourself, you are grounded in your values and preferences and resistant to social pressures. Finding your true self helps you experience a renewed sense of vitality, freedom, self-trust, confidence, inner peace, and a newfound love for yourself and for life.
Invest in Relationships
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Relationships are the true currency of life. We cannot live isolated in the world, therefore we need people around us. It can be relationships with our family, friends, strangers and even ourselves. It’s crucial these relationships are built and maintained. Life comes with challenges and when you invest in relationships can be a great way to find personal fulfillment. It creates a sense of belonging and a great way to improve our quality of life in a way we can’t buy with money. Spend more time with your loved ones, check in on old friends regularly, offer support to your close circle and even to strangers. It’s an investment and the return is worth time and energy which sometimes lead to referrals, promotions, friends, resources and networks. Cherish and acknowledge the people in your life as it improves your health and well-being.
Invest in Your Health
“Your health is your wealth”
Investing in your health should be your priority among others in your investment portfolio. Taking care of your health results in a happy, long and active life. Physical fitness and mental health are mostly underrated unless we are suffering from it. Similar to regular checkups to your doctor is really necessary – at least twice a year. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can save your money from paying medical bills and prevent disease or illness. Investing in your health shouldn’t be expensive, it’s about the little things we can adapt to help improve our wellbeing. It could be the simple things like more sleep, walks, drinking more water, meditating, healthy diet, talking to friends and family and anything that works for you. As women, our skin and hair care also important just as maintaining our weight.
Invest in Knowledge
“If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it from him. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” —Benjamin Franklin.
Dedicate yourself to constant learning, it pays the best interest. Whether it is reading books or learning new skill, expanding your level of knowledge helps your brains work better and put your life into perspective. Knowledge is an essential investment in your intellectual well-being and takes away the fear of the unknown. It boosts your confidence, controls access to opportunities, advancement and improves your intellectual wellbeing. In this age, knowledge can be acquired in many ways through experience or education. You can apply for a volunteer position, take an online course or get self-developments videos or books. Knowledge has power and a better way to attain power and success. Keep developing yourself.
Take Charge of your Finances
“The goal isn’t more money. The goal is living life on your terms.” –Chris Brogan
Financial literacy is not part of the school curriculum despite its necessity to our lives. Therefore, we have to take the time to learn for ourselves how to manage our personal finances. As we develop ourselves as women, it’s important we make smarter decisions about our money. A lot of women try to avoid dealing with their finances but it’s better to confront your financial anxiety than face your financial reality. Take control to achieve financial wellness by making a budget, have a savings, create a debt repayment plan, start investing and understanding your financial rights and responsibilities. Create your future financial plan, manage your spending, read more books on personal finance and look out for ways to earn multiple income.
When we get time to reconnect with ourselves, embrace our imperfections, replace fear with trust, let go of things what we can’t control and stay authentic to who we are, this is taking care of YOU.
When was the last time you acknowledged your feelings or other aspects of your life that require your attention? How do you take care of yourself to fully experience more meaningful life? These days, more and more women are taking charge of their lives and wellbeing. Replace fear with courage and action. Don’t play small, go big with what you have. Become your first client and take care of yourself, that is not selfish. Use your flaws as a stepping tool to develop yourself. Always remember, Investment in yourself begins with a positive mindset, planning, and discipline.
The Feminist Health CIC 