After-hours self-care: A guide for busy office women

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THE modern “office girlie” often finds herself juggling a demanding 9-to-5 job with a myriad of personal responsibilities. While professional success is important, it’s crucial to remember that well-being is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Striking a balance between the demands of work and personal health can often feel like an uphill battle. Long hours, tight deadlines and the constant pressure to perform can leave little time for self-care.

HEALTH IS WEALTH By taking proactive steps to protect your health, you’re not only safeguarding your own well-being but also setting a positive example for other women to take charge of their health. PHOTO FROM GUARD AGAINST HPV

But here’s the truth: neglecting your well-being can lead to burnout, decreased productivity and a diminished quality of life. It’s time to rewrite the narrative. By incorporating simple yet impactful wellness practices into your daily routine, you can reclaim your time, prioritize your health, and thrive both personally and professionally.

Exercise and physical activity

Regular physical activity does not only help maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves your mood and boosts energy levels. However, staying active while maintaining a busy office life can be challenging. Make it a habit to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s as simple as taking a brisk walk during your lunch break or going to the gym after work.

Mental health care

Make time for activities that nourish your mind and soul. You can start by practicing mindfulness meditation to reduce your stress, keeping a gratitude journal or engaging in creative pursuits after work. Learn to set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance; don’t take on too much work than you can realistically handle.

Emotional healing practices

As with mental health, emotional well-being is also often overlooked, but it is equally as important for overall health and well-being. Having positive emotional well-being means you can manage your emotions well and have a greater sense of meaning and purpose. Not only does it make you feel good, but having positive emotional well-being can also lower your risk of diseases, sickness and injury.

Women’s health screenings and vaccination

Women’s health is a branch of medicine that addresses health issues unique to women, such as menstruation and pregnancy. Largely due to biology, women are at high risk for certain diseases, such as breast cancer and cervical cancer. Regular health screenings and vaccinations can help detect and prevent a variety of health problems that specifically affect women.

For example, cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide, yet it’s also a highly preventable disease. In fact, cervical cancer is one of the only preventable cancers. Regular screening tests, such as the Pap smear, can detect pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

Additionally, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can also protect against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Today, it’s easier to get the HPV vaccine either from local pharmacies with certified immunizing pharmacists, or from hospitals and specialized clinics with obstetrics and gynecology doctors. 

For example, you can book your HPV vaccination through Mercury Drug, Watsons Pharmacy and Southstar Drug. Just make sure to have your doctor’s prescription before scheduling your HPV vaccination. 

Your health is your greatest asset. So, invest in it wisely. Take that yoga class, schedule that therapy appointment, and talk to your health care provider about the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer prevention. 

To learn more about how you can protect yourself from HPV and cervical cancer, visit https://guardagainsthpv.ph/.