Hey Salad Girl Family! 

May is an exciting month for women. The month kicked off with National Nurses Week, transitioned into Women’s Health Week, and the icing on the cake, of course, was Mother’s Day right in between.

There are so many reasons to recognize the importance of Women's Health  – this week and every week. Women’s health is the health of the world. We bear the weight (literally and figuratively) of carrying the next generation into existence. As women, we are often expected to be homemakers, full-time career women, raise our children, and have dinner hot on the table every night without batting an eye.

Oftentimes, our own health is sidestepped as we care for others. So, today I want to share with you some simple, practical self-care tools that will support your super-woman role for your family but most importantly for yourself.  

Hydration. How much water have you had today? Did you know 8 glasses of water is not the standard recommendation for every human on earth because we are all different? Surprise! You should be drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day (e.g. 150 lbs = 75 ounces of water daily). Increase your water intake, and notice the difference. Positive benefits of drinking water include: Increases nutrient absorption, boosts energy, improves mood as well as aids cognitive function, digestion, and blood oxygen circulation.

Sleep. As women (especially you moms out there), our sleep can take a back seat when it comes to our health. Research is showing us just how impactful sleep really is on our health in the long term. Our circadian rhythm is a powerful tool that syncs our body with the rising and setting of the sun. When we disturb our natural sleep cycle by staying up too late, or waking too often during the night, it can have a lasting negative impact. If you have trouble sleeping, try a pair of glasses that block blue light for 2-3 hours before bedtime, or better yet, avoid all screen time before bed. In modern days, this is one of the most common causes of sleep issues as blue light impedes our bodies natural release of melatonin.

Emotional support. Too often, we let others lean on us for support and forget to take care of ourselves. Some researchers say that stress is the root of all inflammatory disease. Now, it is much easier said than done, but I'm going to share a technique I've found helpful in times of stress: the 5-5-5 method. Ask yourself, will this matter in 5 minutes? If no, move on. If yes, complete the task or focus your energy for 5 minutes and move on. Then ask, will this matter in 5 days? If no, move on. If yes, carve out some time in the coming days to brainstorm solutions. Then ask, will this matter in 5 years? If no, move on. If yes, reach out to your support network. There are people in your life who will help you find solace and solutions. Being mindful of the amount of time we spend worrying is important. Focus on the positive, find the good in your day-to-day life, and embrace the support others offer to you.

Good Nutrition. Eating whole foods (not processed) decreases your intake of salt and sugar and increases your intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Here's a delicious, nutritious recipe using Salad Girl's Lemony Herb dressing (my absolute favorite flavor). I meal prep this recipe weekly because it's a great grab-and-go salad for a busy day's lunch. My fiancé, Jake, gave me a hand. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I (we) do.

This world needs strong, healthy, forward thinking women to lead and nurture our communities. Maintaining a healthy diet abundant in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables is ideal to fuel our bodies. When that's not possible, fall back to the basics. Hydrate, sleep, and talk to somebody about what you're experiencing. As women, we are all in this together. Cheers to all of the strong women who have brought us up to be who we are, and cheers to a brighter, healthier, and stronger future for women hereafter! 

Happy National Women's Health Week! 

Stay Well,