Strong woman, healthy families

Healthy mothers are better equipped to provide emotional support, guidance, and a stable home environment for their children. Your health as a mother is crucial because it directly impacts the well-being of families, children, and the broader community.

A healthy mother has more energy, positivity, and resources to nurture her children and contribute to a positive family environment. Furthermore, a mother’s health during pregnancy and infancy can influence her child’s long-term health and development.

According to wellness coach, Patricia Hudson-Buck, during a recent bi-weekly ‘Health Talk Sunday Series,’ the phrase ‘strong woman, healthy families’ highlights the crucial role of women’s well-being in fostering healthy family environments.

“Strong women, with their physical, mental, and emotional health, are better equipped to nurture and support their families, creating a positive cycle of health and well-being for all. This connection is further strengthened by the fact that women often play a primary role in childcare and household management, making their health directly impact the family’s overall well-being,” Hudson-Buck said.

Women, she said must prioritise time for their health, and empower themselves to be the best version of the woman they know they can be. Hudson-Buck said the four pillars of health, generally considered to be nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management, that support overall well-being and a healthy lifestyle can be incorporated into a woman’s daily activities.

These four pillars include:

• Nutrition: A balanced diet provides the body with the essential nutrients it needs to function properly, supports overall health, and helps prevent diseases.

• Physical activity: Regular exercise has numerous benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, building muscle, and boosting mood.

• Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for physical and mental recovery, allowing the body to repair and rejuvenate.

• Stress management: Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices, is important for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

“Women should schedule time for themselves and understand the importance of sleep, rest and rejuvenation, while setting boundaries to protect their mental and emotional health. It is important to recognise signs of burnout and anxiety, use stress relieving techniques: journalling, walking, deep breathing, and most importantly seek help or talk to a professional,” she said.

Maintaining all four pillars of health is essential for leading a happy and fulfilling life. When any of these pillars are out of balance, it can cause mental and emotional distress.

That is why it is important to make sure that you are taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health equally. If you need help in any area, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

Remember, your health is your responsibility, however, you do not have to do it alone. Health coaches, therapists, and other professionals can help you to create a healthy balance in your life.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com