Cut down sugar. Have a balanced meal. Drink plenty of water. Get some sun.
This pandemic has certainly altered everyone's daily regime.
The subsequent lockdown has further changed the way we spend our lives.
While all of us are trying to get back on track, there are some people who are struggling to maintain their health between managing work from home and family.
Here are some essential tips women must follow to maintain wellness of mind and body:
1. Adequate water and sleep cycles
Our body is our temple and we can only become as healthy as we choose to be.
For starters, drinking enough water and having a good 8 hour sleep is a must. These are prerequisites for both physical and mental well-being.
2. Meditation/Yoga for a calm mind
Taking out time from your routine is clearly a task these days, but 30 minutes for yourself isn't a lot to ask, right?
Dedicating 30 minutes of your day to meditation or yoga can really help in boosting your energy levels throughout the day.
3. Reduce screen time
Screen time is another issue that is really prominent in this lockdown.
Trying to reduce is an option that most of you will not be able to follow.
However if you can take your eyes off the screen and stare at a distant spot for 20 seconds, that can go a long way too.
4. Be cognizant of your posture
Women these days are victims of slipped discs and cervical spondylosis, all thanks to bad sitting and lying down posture.
So make sure you are more mindful about your posture and do neck exercises while working to relieve stress at your neck muscles.
5. Diet
A healthy diet is always on our list, that can help you in countless ways.
Include high fibre and protein items and lots of liquids.
Without putting much effort, you can start eating healthy and voila, you'll find yourself glowing and energetic throughout the day.
6. Maintain menstrual hygiene
Menstrual hygiene is another issue that needs your attention.
We all know how intriguing those cramps can be, but do not forget it can be harmful if you don't take shower daily and change your sanitary napkins/ tampons at proper timings.
7. Cut down sugar
This might seem as a small step. But cutting down on sugar or using sugar alternatives like jaggery or stevia can go a long way in keeping your hormones in check.
It also prevents breaking out of skin and can reduce chances of diabetes , heart diseases and obesity.
8. Get some sun
While over exposure to sun is definitely not good for your skin, sun does play a big part in our overall development.
Sunlight is a very important source of Vitamin D, without which Calcium cannot be absorbed by our body. Sit in the early morning or midday sun for 10 to 30 minutes to reap most benefits.
9. Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smokers are much more susceptible to premature skin aging than most people because of vascular constriction caused by smoking.
Tar staining, sagging of skin, acne and skin cancer are some of the other downsides of smoking.
Not only does consumption of alcohol harms your liver but it also dilates your skin pores leading to blackheads, bumps and in some cases, cystic acne.
10. Find some 'me' time
Last but not the least, this is a great time to explore your interests, develop new good habits and practice your hobbies.
A short 'me' time out of the work schedule is always relaxing and doing something of your interest in this time will be a cherry on the top.
Dr Archana Nirula is gynaecologist and head of medical affairs, myUpchar, a leading health services company. Dr Nirula can be contacted on ga@rediff.co.in.
