I’d like to make a case that your 20s are the weirdest decade of your life. All of a sudden, you’re all on your own (I miss you, mom!You may be trying to get a promotion or a job, spending time on your social life (FOMO) and saving up for major purchases such as a house or a child (vet bills are serious). Who has the time or money to research all the health tips available? Plus, we’re told that we’re “so young” and have “nothing to worry about” (even when it definitely doesn’t feel that way).
While your 20s should absolutely be enjoyed (just like every other decade of your life, FYI), it’s also a crucial time to revaluate your health and establish habits that will help keep you healthy as you get older. Consider it an investment. The things you do now will make a difference in your future. Here are six things women in their 20s that they should do for their health.
1. Prioritize your reproductive health
Your 20s are a strange time because everyone is at a different stage. Some friends may already have two children, while others have just booked a one-way flight to Thailand after quitting their job. But one thing we all have in common, no matter what’s in our five-year plan, is that knowledge is power. Whether you are considering having kids or not, it’s important to educate yourself and take the health of your body into your own hands, especially considering today’s climate in women’s health (tampon shortage and all). Look to your gynecologist or sources like Loom or the National Women’s Health Network for valuable information and guidance.
You know that feeling when you finally find a hairstylist who is genuinely interested in you, and it just clicks? Finding an OBGYN who listens and supports your reproductive goals and choices is just as important. And by getting to know your body through methods such as cycle-syncing and pelvic floor therapy, you’ll learn how to best take care of it.
2. Schedule regular doctor appointments
Whether you’re an older Gen Z or a younger millennial, you might not be in the habit of scheduling regular doctor visits. Maybe your mom always scheduled those appointments for you until you turned 18, so it’s just not a habit. Perhaps you put off scheduling appointments because of your busy schedule and overbooking. PSA: Health is not something you focus on when you’re forced to. Preventive health ensures your body is as healthy as possible, and regular visits are important to stay on top of symptoms or underlying issues you don’t even know are there (yes, even as young as your 20s).
A physical exam is required once a year. However, you should also visit a gynecologist every other year if your vagina is visible. You should also see a dermatologist every few weeks depending on your family history and concerns.A dentist should be seen every six months. Other specialists may also be needed as needed. Schedule all your appointments for the next 12 month at once. Dedicate some time this week to make all the appointments you’ll need over the next year, and set up a system to make sure to keep regular appointments in the future (like booking the next appointment at the doctor’s office or scheduling the same chunk of time in a year from now to make those appointments).
3. Take your mental well-being seriously
The good news? Our generation is more concerned about mental health than ever, thanks to normalizing therapy (thanks #therapyTikTok!) and moving away form burnout culture. But just because it’s “common” to feel anxious and burned out does not mean you shouldAnxiety and burnout are common feelings. You have a routine for your physical health, such as eating healthy, exercising, and visiting the doctor annually. You should also have a routine for your mental well-being. Whether that means weekly therapy sessions, daily meditation, regular tech-free time, or leaving a job that’s depleting you, prioritize mental health above all else. Oh, and don’t wait until you’re totally burned out or suffering from anxiety or depression to ask for help and make changes. Talk to a therapist to help you establish daily routines. avoid It is important to get there first.
4. Eat for your health
Maybe it was when you graduated college and realized cafeteria food and binge-drinking wine out of bags just wouldn’t cut it anymore, or maybe as you got older, you noticed your body doesn’t bounce back from a McDonald’s meal or pitcher of spicy margaritas like it used to. No matter what the catalyst is, many people start to reevaluate the way that they’re eating when they’re in their 20s; however, just because your body is changing and reacting to food differently does not mean you should be eating for weight loss. Consider every bite as an investment in yourself.
What you’re eating now will impact your health in 10, 20, or 30 years. Instead of just eating “healthy” so that your body can look a certain way, start eating to boost heart health (like leafy greens and avocados), keep your energy levels increased (like bananas or dark chocolate), or improve overall longevity (like cruciferous vegetables and berries). You should eat your fruits, vegetables and vegetables because they will help you. Feel Good, not only because they help you Take a look good. It’s certainly never too soon to start eating for your future self, so get in the habit now of using food as a tool to stay your healthiest as you get older.
5. Always wear SPF when you go outdoors
If SPF is something you only take out on a beach trip, we need to have a conversation. Sun protection is a crucial part of overall health, but it’s one of the most overlooked. Sun damage (including skin cancer) can happen anytime you’re exposed to the sun, not just if you get a bad burn after a day outside. If you’re not yet in the habit of applying SPF every time you leave the house, keep a face sunscreen by the front door with your keys and wallet so you remember to put on a quick layer before running out the door, or keep a bottle in your car for easy reapplication. Of course, sun protection is most important for protecting against serious sun damage like skin cancer, but it’s also a crucial time to prevent other forms of sun damage like wrinkles or hyperpigmentation that increase as we age. Trust me, you’d much rather take preventative measures now to protect your gorgeous skin than fight the effects years from now.
6. Get a good night’s sleep (every night)
It is long past the time when regular clubbing ended at 6 a.m. and all-nighters were necessary to study for an exam. While we may have a few fun nights out, special events, or workdays that give us more sleep, I stopped enjoying any time I spent outside after 11 p.m. on the day I turned 25. Sleep is not something you can give second thoughts to or enjoy as a bonus, like it was in your college and teenage years. Prioritize sleep (and quality sleep!) every night. You can turn off Netflix at a reasonable hour and create a routine for winding down that you prioritize over the next episode. Stranger Things It is as difficult to turn it off as it is to get it on! As we age, sleep is vital for our bodies to function well and our energy levels to be high. Make sure you get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
Source: The Every Girl
