Keeping Up With your New Year’s Resolutions!

by | Jan 16, 2020 | Conditions, Gynecology, Obstetrics, Our Practice, Pregnancy, Pregnancy FAQ, Services

mt auburn obgyn new years resolution women's health pregnancy self care diet exercise

Finding yourself having a hard time committing to your New Year’s resolution? Or are you still trying to find the right resolution for you? Either way, we hope today’s blog gives you a boost to start chasing after your goals this year! 

 

Exercise & Diet

Ah, the most common New Year’s resolution! And one that most quit on before the end of January too. If you’re having trouble sticking to your new diet or exercise think about the benefits! Women who eat healthier and exercise more are less likely to develop heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Let’s be real though. Habits die hard, especially bad ones! Here are a few tips on getting started:

  1. Start slow! You don’t need to go full cold turkey when it comes to diet and exercise. For example, diet-wise you can start by eliminating food you feel icky after eating and wouldn’t mind avoiding in the first place. This could mean eating less red meat, and more lean protein like fish and poultry! 
  2. As for exercise, don’t let gym intimidation stop you from reaching your goals! Go on walks during lunch breaks with co-workers or friends. If you like having motivation from others, or if you thrive off of a little bit of friendly competition, challenge your friends and family to work out together! Just remember to keep it healthy and not overdo it!
  3. Do you suffer from chronic health issues? Especially if they pertain to women specifically? Changing up your health habits is crucial! For example, those who suffer from endometriosis may want to avoid certain food and drinks as it could cause inflammation of their symptoms. This can include alcohol and caffeine! If you suffer from chronic health issues and can make changes, alleviating those symptoms is a great motivator for a fresh new year.

 

Self-care

Exercise and diet may not be part of the initial plan for your self-care journey. That may begin by being nicer to yourself if you are starting to have low self-esteem. You may want to better your mental health by finding professional help. If you’re finding yourself still struggling to meet your resolution, then we can potentially help!

Hormones and bodily changes can hamper your self-care regime. This can range from your birth control to being pregnant to menopause depending on your age and where you are in life.  

Birth Control: Sometimes our bodies will get used to a birth control dosage or type of drug over time. This is natural and happens to many women. However, what you may not suspect is that it’s not always the drug itself triggering a reaction per se, but the body’s natural response to the hormonal cycle your birth control creates: 

“During a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, estrogen levels reach their peak around day 14. That’s when many women feel best emotionally and physically. Most hormonal contraceptives smooth this mountain-shaped hormonal cycle into an even line for the first 21 days. Then the levels of estrogen and progestin plunge during the final 7 days.” ~WebMD, “How Hormonal Birth Control Can Affect Your Mood“

If you suspect negative changes in your body are correlating with your birth control, schedule a visit with your gynecologist. Together you and your doctor can find a solution to best suit your goals and comforts.

Pregnancy: Whether you are a first-time mom or a seasoned mom who’s never had mood swings before, it really can put a hamper on the whole pregnancy experience. Many times these mood swings can be caused by mental/physical stress, fatigue, diet, and of course, hormones. I quick tip to help manage these mood swings is to STOP. Seriously Stop, Take a breath, Observe what is going on, and Proceed with your task at hand or take steps to alleviate what is bothering you. This is a daily meditation practice that can help you with your self-care! If mood swings or other pregnancy symptoms worsen, please talk to your doctor.

Menopause: If you’re working on self-care in the new year where you’re battling hot flashes, memory problems, mood changes, weight gain and more then you may be feeling the symptoms of premenopause or menopause. Menopause can occur between ages 45 to 55 and can last for a few years. Although menopause may feel defeating, it can also inspire a new chapter of healthy living! Eating healthy foods enriched with calcium and Vitamin D can help with strengthening your bones, which can be weakened during menopause. Regular exercise help with hot flashes, lowered metabolism, and sleepless nights! 

 

Becoming a New Mom

Congratulations! You’ve made the first step in a rewarding life journey of parenthood. If you want some guidance with professionals on your first go around, then find an Obstetrics and Gynecology practice that is right for you! You don’t have to stick with the first one you see. Visit a handful of different practices in your area. You should choose one’s who make you feel comfortable and safe as you’ll want to stick with them during the full length of your pregnancy. 

Do you have a history when it comes to fertility? Don’t be afraid to ask questions with blood-relatives so you can prepare for what may lie ahead. All women have different journeys when trying to conceive, and unfortunately, it can be more difficult for some. If you have an idea of your family history, it can better inform you and your doctors on different steps you can take to reach your goal. If you don’t know or can’t get access to your family’s fertility history, that’s okay! A clean slate with a positive mentality is a great start when becoming a mom! Here are more helpful blogs to help get you started:

 

Don’t give up on refining yourself for the new year! For more information on women’s health to fertility, Mt. Auburn Ob-gyn has your back. Schedule an appointment at any of our 3 locations today!