4 Things Every Woman Needs to Know About Her Body
Every now and then, we all get a funky ache in the knee, or we feel extra tired, so we try to figure out what precisely our body might be telling us, to make changes if need be. In addition to these harmless, albeit useful signals, your body is sending you daily performance reports by means of headaches, swollen ankles, lack of focus, and the like. Getting to know your body better as a woman can help you understand these little quirks, recognize early symptoms of an illness, and prevent major problems with your wellbeing down the line.
Depending on your lifestyle, stress levels, everyday choices, and of course, genetics, your health can be affected by a wide range of factors, some of which can be in your control. So, here are a few key things you should know about your body so that you can take the necessary precautions and make smarter choices in favor of your health.
You need to cherish your sleep cycle
If you find yourself craving sugar in all of its delicious forms, reaching for coffee one too many times per day, and you still cannot keep your eyes open towards the end of the day, you’re likely sleep-deprived to an extent. Long-term lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your health, not just your beauty, so you should reevaluate your sleep habits to eliminate it as the underlying problem for those many energy and nutrition issues.
It’s not just about adding more hours to your sleep schedule, since many women believe that taking a 30-minute nap during the day can make up for their night-long adventures. Alas, this can’t help, and you actually need quality sleep on a consistent basis, meaning that you need to watch your sleep habits just like you take care of the food you consume and the amount of water you drink. Sleeping well is the basis for all of your other healthy habits, so start with sleep and then move on to everything else you can do.
Stress can be reduced with prevention
Cortisol, or the stress hormone, is not always the enemy. But when your body is flooded with this particular hormone, you’ll experience mood changes more frequently, lack of energy and motivation, and you might be anxious or worried about practically everything. Too much stress can derail your immune system, and as a result lead to all kinds of bad decisions, unhealthy habits, and chronic illness – which, in turn, becomes another major source of ongoing stress.
It’s possible to prevent all of that by checking out platforms that thoroughly compare private health insurance policies available in your region so that you can actually take preventative steps to reduce stressing over your health. That means you’ll be able to be at peace, so even if an issue arises, you can visit the finest medical institutions in your area and ask for advice and guidance.
Keep an eye on your menstrual cycle
We’ve all been there: the cramps, the pain, the discomfort of wearing pads, the exhaustion. However, during that time of the month, your body is going through a natural process that is a perfect reflection of your wellbeing. Annual checkups that include pap smears and other vital tests can make all the difference in ensuring that your reproductive health is intact.
Since every woman is different, you’ll get specific instructions from your OB/GYN, but if you fall in the age group between 21 and 29, you should regularly get pap smears, at least once a year. After you turn 30, and in case you’ve never had any issues, your doctor might advise you to take them every three years. All in all, paying attention to your reproductive health can mean the world to your overall wellbeing!
Skincare should start with your moles
You might have an entire constellation of moles and skin tags all over your body. But all the more reason to take precautions. And even more so pay attention to how your skin changes. While there is reason to panic, your skin changes on a regular basis. And since it’s your first line of defense and is often exposed to the elements, including the sun, you should learn to spot changes in shape, color, and texture.
When you notice that your mole might be changing, or you spot a mole that’s asymmetrical, has different hues within it, or it has irregular borders, you can talk to your dermatologist and see what your next steps should be. Research shows that regular use of sunscreen reduces your chances of developing melanoma by 50%, which is a great way to motivate yourself to boost your skincare routine.
Of course, this is far from a complete list that encompasses everything a woman should be aware of, but it’s the foundation of everything that you need to be mindful of in order to lead a healthy life. Knowing how your body behaves in different stages of your life, and how various aspects of your wellbeing are expressed can help you spot issues early on, implement the right preventative measures, and stay stress-free.