Many think of our twenties as the time to discover ourselves, and that includes figuring out what works best for our mental, physical, emotional, and sexual health. While all women will have their own unique approach to self-care, instilling these 10 habits in your younger years will benefit your health over the long run.
1. Get enough sleep
Sleep is how your body recharges its battery. Try your best to establish a regular sleeping routine (sometimes called sleep hygiene). Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help you feel less groggy and your body to stay healthy!
2. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is crucial to preventing recurrent illnesses such as migraines or vaginal infections like UTIs. Every cell in your body needs water in order to function optimally.
3. Eat a rainbow
Eating a variety of colors can help ensure you're getting enough vitamins and nutrients in your diet. Look at your plate every meal to ensure you see reds, yellows, greens, and purples!. A daily multi-vitamin is a good backup plan to ensure you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs. We'd be happy to recommend a great multi-vitamin for you at your next appointment.
4. Find an exercise routine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Regular exercise is good for the mind, body, and soul! If you find that yourself not excited to exercise in your usual way, try something new like Pickleball.
5. Take care of your teeth
We now understand that the health of the mouth (teeth, tongue, gums) is a reflection of the health of the rest of your body. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss daily, so that bacteria in your mouth stays healthy!
6. Conduct self-breast exams
Though an annual breast exam by a clinician is not recommended until the age of 40, it's important that you get familiar with your own breast anatomy. Conduct self breast exams. If you notice any lumps or bumps that are painful or growing, make sure you make an appointment for evaluation. We'd be happy to show you how to conduct a proper breast exam at your next appointment.
7. Practice safe, healthy, and consensual sex
Communication is key to healthy sex. Make sure you are having sex only when you want to, and that you're protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many STIs have no symptoms, so it is important to get STI screenings with every new partner. Condoms are the only method proven to reduce the transmission of STIs.
8. Don’t be ambivalent about getting pregnant
Make a decision. If you want to be pregnant, start taking a pre-natal vitamin to prepare your body. If you don’t want to be pregnant, use an effective method of birth control like an IUD or an Implant.
9. Be responsible about money
Money doesn’t buy you happiness, but it certainly can reduce your stress—start saving your money now! Speak to your company's HR department about investing a portion of your pay into a retirement account when you are young, so that when you are older you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.
10. Form healthy relationships
Even if you have experienced trauma in your past, one of the strongest tools to a healthy life is forming positive, uplifting relationships. Make a new friend or reach out to an old one. Seek the company of those that make you feel good.
If you have questions about how you can incorporate any of the above practices into your daily routine, our clinicians would love to answer your questions at your next visit!
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