Investing in Ourselves: Building a Health Portfolio for Progress
This years’ theme for International Women’s Day by UN Women Organization “Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress,” beautifully encapsulates the need for gender equality and improved well-being for women in all facets of life. While initiatives by impactful organizations like UN Women are commendable, are we, as women, actively investing in ourselves?
One crucial investment women can make is in their holistic health, an aspect often neglected under the pressure of other priorities. Unlike financial portfolios with fluctuating returns, a “Health Portfolio” offers guaranteed long-term returns.
Here are some key components to consider:
1. Physical Activity: Aim to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Ditch the “all or nothing” approach and start small; consistency is key. This is your best SIP into building long term health.
2. Nutrition: We all experience busy schedules, making healthy meal preparation challenging. Pre-portioning snacks or carrying nuts, seeds, and dried fruits can provide convenient and healthy alternatives to processed foods.
3. Internal Health: During a recent blood donation camp in our neighborhood, I witnessed a concerning number of women being turned away due to low hemoglobin levels. Anemia, breast cancer, and many other diseases can go unnoticed until later stages. Regular health screenings and appropriate supplementation, when necessary, are crucial for maintaining internal health. As International Women’s Day approaches, what better time to schedule a check-up?
4. Mental Wellbeing: Often overlooked, mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being. With the multifaceted roles we juggle, burnout is real. Engaging in stress-relieving practices like meditation, leisure activities with loved ones, or artistic pursuits like art and music, can significantly improve mental well-being.
Investing in our “Health Portfolio” aligns perfectly with the theme of accelerating progress for women. By prioritizing our well-being, we equip ourselves to thrive in all aspects of life and contribute even more meaningfully to the world around us.
I have just invested in my ‘Health Portfolio’ by signing up for a daily physical activity challenge with a set of friends.
Have you started investing in your health yet ?
