Women's History Month has been celebrated since 1980 in acknowledgement of the significant contributions women and girls have had on shaping our families, communities, and country. We want to honor all women by acknowledging the many roles women take on in their career, family, faith, and community.
One such role that is often overlooked is the role of caregiver. According to the CDC, two out of every three caregivers in the U.S. are female. Women who are caregivers have a greater risk of neglecting their mental and physical health.
To celebrate the wonderful, selfless women in your life, Laura Lawson Webb, vice president and chief nursing officer at Sheppard Pratt, has shared some self-care tips below that you can personally partake in, or encourage the women in your life to use, throughout the month.
- Shake Up Your Senses: Awaken your senses by doing something a little different! This may mean taking a walk through a park or neighborhood you’ve never visited, trying a new recipe, treating yourself to a warm bath or cool shower, or listening to a new song.
- Envision Your Best Self: Sometimes we need to see our best self to achieve our best self. Close your eyes and imagine a time when you felt motivated, confident, or accomplished. Envision the setting, what you were doing, what you were wearing, who you were with, and how you felt. Picture how you can achieve that same feeling again.
- Rework Your Routine: Are you still trying to achieve a routine that’s not working for you? While many of us enjoy the perks of working from home, it has left us with a lax or total lack of routine. Maintaining a schedule is vital to both our mental and physical wellbeing. So, ensure you are staying hydrated, eating three square meals each day, exercising regularly, and doing small things like making your bed or laying out your clothes to keep yourself feeling on top of your game.
- Be Where Your Feet Are: Our devices make it too easy to multitask and miss out on important time spent with family, friends, or on self-care. Try to be where your feet are and turn off your phone once you are seated at your family’s dinner table, out to drinks with a friend, or while you’re reading your favorite book.
- Give the Gift of Gratitude: In the spirit of Women’s History Month, reach out and thank three women who have made an impact on your life. Both you and the women you reach out to will feel the positive effects of your gratitude!