Last week, while laying on the table with my legs in stirrups (ladies, you get it), I saw a poster on the wall that listed out the tasks you have to do daily to live a “healthy life.” It was pretty straightforward: drink water, exercise daily, eat your fruits and vegetables. But it got me thinking about going beyond the bare bone “essentials” for a happy, healthy life. There are certain things we as women have to do to take care of ourselves. Some are enjoyable self-care (i.e. manicures), some not so much (hello, I’m in stirrups). But beyond the doctor’s checklist, I’m laying out 10 things grown-ass women have to do, no exceptions. Your overall well-being will thank you.
1. Get your yearly female wellness exam
2. A yearly dental checkup
This is an easy one to fall behind on, but I’m telling you from personal experience, having an emergency dental procedure is the actual worst…and insanely expensive.
3. Know your actual bra size
A lot of people wear the wrong bra size and don’t even know it. Go to Nordstrom and get fitted for free and try on different sizes and styles. Your world will be changed.
4. Know when to walk away
If it’s no longer serving you, or if it’s feeling unhealthy, know when to call it quits. This means in romantic relationships, friendships, jobs, you name it. An adult woman should know what is building her up, and step away from what is tearing her down.
5. 30 minutes of daily physical activity
6. Drink enough water
Come on girl, there’s an app for that! Grab yourself a cute reusable water bottle (because, environment) and do your body (and skin and hair and brain and…you get it) a favor.
7. Take excellent care of your mental health
Another non-negotiable! This is just as, if not even more, important than physical health. You can’t help anyone if you aren’t helping yourself. Check in regularly, take a mental health day and make sure you’re doing everything you can to foster your own mental health. I highly recommend Dr. Cassidy’s Holding Space podcast for actionable tips and Jen Gotch’s podcast for awareness and connection.
8. Spend time by yourself
A grown-ass woman needs to be comfortable with spending time by herself. I know my fellow introverts out there are thinking “um, yeah, duh,” but not everyone is good at being by themselves. Take one night a week alone to recharge and enjoy your own company. If you’re married and/or have kids like me, you take that sweet alone time whenever you can get it.
9. Find a creative outlet
Painting, macrame, writing, floral arrangement, bird watching. If it gets your blood flowing, do it. If you feel like you’re not “naturally creative,” read this book!
10. Connect with quality people
Find your tribe, and love them hard. Choose quality over quantity. Spending time with those who make your heart happy is scientifically proven to be good for your heart.
Hey babe, read these next: 10 Things To Do Instead Of Giving In To The Urge To Get Bangs, Five Things I Learned In My First Month Of Living Alone and How To Enjoy Fall Without Feeling “Basic”.
