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Five Ways to Stay Motivated on National Women’s Health Day

Today is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. We’ve got some tips on how to stay healthy, motivated, and happy.

September 25, 2019 | HF Healthy Living Team

National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is a nation-wide promotional event for women of all ages to focus on regular exercise and healthy living.

A study by the National Institutes of Health finds that a reported lack of self-esteem, motivation, and support makes it difficult for many women to keep up with regular exercise and healthy living.

Not to worry. We’ve got some tips on how to stay healthy, happy, and inspired.

Click the photos below to get motivated on Women’s Health Day.

Get Your Thyroid Checked

Get Your
Thyroid Checked

Did you know that 60% of the people with a thyroid problem are unaware of it? An underactive or overactive thyroid can affect your weight, mood, and attention. Women are five to eight times more likely to experience thyroid problems than are men, so make sure to go for your annual checkups and ask about your thyroid.

Get Active with a Friend

Get Active
with a Friend

Do you sometimes lose the motivation to get moving on your own? Bring a friend along for workouts to increase the chances of accomplishing your fitness goals. Research has shown that working out with a buddy can help you lose weight faster and become happier about your routine. You’ll also be less likely to talk negatively with good support around you.

Set Up Self-Care Time

Set Up
Self-Care Time

Self-care doesn’t have to mean a full day at the spa. All you need to sit back and relax is some time to yourself in a peaceful area in your home or even at a park nearby. Make self-care your own by focusing on something you enjoy doing, like trying a new recipe, coloring, and more. Get some tips on how to get started here.

Cut Your Exercise in Half

Cut Your
Exercise in Half

You read that right! High-intensity, short-interval training of around 20–30 minutes can be just as effective as longer workouts on the elliptical or treadmill. These exercises can consist of squat jumps, lunges, burpees, and much more, all in the comfort of your own home. If you don’t have much time, it can be easy to fit in a cardio workout. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Eat Some Superfoods Daily

Eat Some
Superfoods Daily

Superfoods don’t have to be boring. Some of the most powerful are also the most tasty, like avocados, berries, kiwis, and even dark chocolate. Superfoods are high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, minimize heart disease risk, and more. Try our banana avocado chocolate pudding and add some dark chocolate with 70%–80% cocoa to get started.

If you live in New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, or Westchester County and want more information about our health plans, please click here.

Healthfirst is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Healthfirst group of affiliated companies.

This health information or program is for educational purposes only and not intended to treat, diagnose, or act as a substitute for medical advice from your provider. Consult your healthcare provider and always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Sources
“Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate,” Healthline. June 25, 2018.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate

“General Information,” American Thyroid Association. Accessed September 3, 2019.
https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/

“Perceived Barriers to Exercise and Healthy Eating,” National Institutes of Health. May 1, 2015.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058907/

“Get Motivated,” Healthy Women. April 4, 2014.
https://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/get-motivated-workout-you-wont-cancel?page=2