As we step into May, a month dedicated to mental health awareness, women’s health, and physical fitness, it’s crucial to shine a light on the unique challenges women face and the strategies they can employ to nurture their well-being. The statistics are stark: women are living longer but often sicker than men, statistically facing multiple chronic diseases, higher stress levels, and grappling with mental health issues at alarming rates.
The APA’s 2023 Stress in America survey underlines a persistent trend: women consistently report higher stress levels than men.
Stress = Demands – Resources.
As you can see, when demands outweigh resources, there is increased stress, which can lead to a host of mental and physical health challenges. Enter “SELFISH: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Healing a Broken Heart,” a new book designed to be a roadmap to building resilience and a toolkit for combating stress and chronic disease.
SELFISH stands for Spirituality, Exercise, Love, Food, Intimacy, Sleep, and Humor—pillars that form the foundation of a prescriptive approach to well-being. Today, let’s focus on the ‘E’ in SELFISH, paying homage to Physical Fitness Month, and look at the transformative power of exercise on mental health.
The British Journal of Sports Medicine underscores the profound impact exercise can have on mental well-being. Anxiety and depression, two prevalent mental health disorders, often respond positively to physical activity. Not only does exercise offer cardiovascular benefits, but it also significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression across different populations. Interestingly, women seem to garner even greater health benefits from exercise than men, with studies showing they achieve the same benefits in nearly half the time.
Physical activity isn’t just about hitting the gym; it’s about incorporating movement into our daily lives. A study in Mental Health and Physical Activity suggests combining physical activity with mindfulness yields the most significant improvements in mood and overall health. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with the SELFISH framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Mothers, in particular, can benefit immensely from prioritizing exercise. Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate these incredible women who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Encouraging mothers to carve out time for exercise isn’t just a luxury but a necessity for their health and happiness. It’s about nurturing themselves so they can continue to nurture others.
SELFISH isn’t just a guide; it’s a call to action. It reminds us that investing in our well-being allows us to live a life of purpose. By embracing physical fitness, women can enhance their resilience, manage stress more effectively, and cultivate a healthier, happier life. As we honor mothers this month, let’s empower them with the tools and knowledge they need to prioritize their mental and physical health. After all, a healthier mother is a gift not just to herself but to her loved ones and the world at large.
