National Women’s Health Month should serve as a reminder for women to make their health a priority and take care of themselves with some much-needed extra love and attention.

Take some time this May to finally take time for yourself and encourage the special women around you to do the same. We often get so caught up in living our hectic day-to-day lives that we put off doing the little things that can have a big positive impact. Stop procrastinating and make a commitment to improving your mental and physical health during National Women’s Health Month.

Here are some tips on things you can do to give yourself some extra love and finally do that thing you have been meaning to do to improve your health.

Schedule a Checkup

Before you say, “but I feel fine,” you should ask yourself if that is 100 percent true. Have you felt a little more tired than usual? Maybe you get light headed on occasion or find that you have soreness here or there. Inconsistencies in your menstrual cycle, or mood swings could be a sign that something is just a little off. It could be as simple as you need an additional vitamin in your diet, or it could be something a bit more serious. Either way, you will never know until you ask.

Manage Stress and Mental Health

There is no way to accurately convey the extreme importance of mental health and stress management. Anxiety and depression are very real and whether they are acute or chronic, you should never have to fight them alone. In this new era, there are a lot of virtual options for mental health care and many insurance providers also cover mental health costs. If those options are not available, talking to a trusted friend about whatever you are going through can be very helpful. Mental stress can have serious implications in all areas of life from physical health to productivity, relationships, parenting, and more.

Get Active and Stay Active

The hardest part is just getting started. We often become complacent in our routines and if those routines don’t involve physical activity, it can be hard to make that space. It is well worth the initial inconvenience to make that time. Whether you are taking a walk on your lunch break, doing yoga before breakfast, or joining a sports team, you are going to experience positive change. Physical activity is strongly linked to better overall health. If you have been meaning to make that time, you might as well do it now.

Eat Healthy Balanced Meals

But cupcakes are so good! We totally understand, and you certainly don’t have to give up all of the delicious treats. Small changes like meal planning or switching from dessert-like coffee to regular black coffee with a little sugar and cream can make a big difference. You may choose to track your food for a few days to identify where easy changes can be made while still making you feel like you are eating like a normal person. No one likes to “diet,” but small changes for healthier options may be totally doable.

Achieve Better Sleep

Restful nights make for much friendlier and more productive days. If you spend your mornings walking around like a zombie, you are surely not bringing your best-self to the table. One of the keys to a better night’s sleep is finding a sleep routine that you can stick with and consistency in when you go to bed. Creating a routine does not happen overnight . . . well, it does, but not in just one night. Little changes like the timing of your last cup of coffee, physical activity, and eliminating distractions could make difference.

Quit Bad Habits

You knew this one was coming. It is also no surprise that smoking tobacco is at the top of the list. There is a reason that quitting smoking is on every list of healthy changes. Smoking is not good for you. If you need help stopping, there are a lot of free resources. If you have been meaning to do it, now is the time. Other bad habit may include over consumption of alcohol or drugs, or even excessive sugar intake. Also, bad habits could include leaving the dishes in the sink too long, not putting the laundry away, or leaving the milk on the counter (please don’t drink it if you do that). It’s time for changes to celebrate National Women’s Health Month!

CBD as a Natural Option for Better Women's Health

The Receptra Naturals team would love to help you step it up during National Women’s Health Month. CBD is a natural option to promote optimal wellness. CBD interacts with natural endocannabiniod receptors in the body to reduce inflammation and pain, while easing stress and promoting focus.