Certain topics of discussions about women never seem to lose sheen like empowerment, independence, equality and health. They flourish time and again and with much conviction and noise. However, this sentiment continues for a few days before going into oblivion. But we need to make sure that it stays relevant every day and not just on a few particular days like Women’s Day. We need to stay with this thought, with this emotion, and to make it work, there is nothing more important and empowering than knowing oneself better.

So, starting from the basics, what does empowerment mean: Literal meaning of “Empowerment” is to have freedom and power to do what you want or to control what happens with you. It’s important to make women & girls believe that it’s in their power to do what they want or to control what happens to their health. To make this possible, it is important that they are made aware about themselves, their body and health that will empower them to make prudent decisions and take better care of themselves.

Women are unique and precious in their own way. And so, they need extra care, respect, support and strength not only from the society but also from within. What I mean by precious: any species present on earth needs to reproduce to continue its progeny on the planet and as women, they are responsible for child bearing and rearing to continue human species on earth. It is a very special and huge responsibility. There is no undermining the fact that it is equally a man's job too to take care of family and children but it is the woman who undergoes the changes not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. They have been made hormonally more vibrant than their counterparts. With this life-altering privilege, also comes the need to take special care of their health, to stay active and fit in the long run. 

In the language of computers, the software of the female human body has a complicated algorithm that creates more errors and needs hacks to tackle it to run smoothly and also upgrade with time. Here are few ways in which women can start taking baby steps for themselves:

1. Arunima: Experience the red light, the redness of sky before sunrise to give your body algorithm a boost that will lead to better sleep and better hormonal control.

2. Learn Cooking: If you know your spices and food well, you will be saved from eating outside food that is made from rancid oils and adulterated ingredients. And please do not fall in the trap of food diets. They are nothing but fads and unsustainable.

3. Reading labels: Learn to read labels of food items to be more aware of what is going inside your body.

4. Being physically active or by contributing to homely chores: You increase your NEAT (Non-exercise Activity Thermogenesis) which in turn will improve your health and give you a clean, warm home.

5. Sleep: Make it a point to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day to reset your algorithm.

6. Lessen the use of chemicals: In the last 2 decades, thousands of chemicals have entered our environment which affect the vibrancy of hormones so, wherever possible make use of natural products. E.g. Natural soaps, ittars in place of perfumes, daatun in place of toothbrush, and lessen the use of refined oils.

7. Embrace yoga/exercise: Give yourself time. Our body has been internally designed to be active. Make 20-30 minutes of time for yoga /exercise every day. It’s just like oiling a machine for better performance.

8. Oxytocin boost: Try to maintain healthy relationships, go for vacations, salon trips and pamper yourself for that important oxytocin boost. Oxytocin-A hormone is at the helm of hormonal hierarchy which helps sort everything out.

9. Fasting: Fasting is a great way to detoxify your body. You can choose from variations like fasting for 24hr, 36hr or 5 days. Following the fasting schedule as per religion or tradition is beneficial as they are scientifically planned. This heals your body and mind phenomenally.

10. No alcohol and smoking: Alcohol, medications, fried foods, packaged food and sugary desserts are all liver stressors. One should avoid and reduce intake of all these toxins as it stresses our liver leading to hormonal imbalance.

11. Embrace Ayurveda: This age-old science has proved itself time and again to be the savior of women. Its philosophies and approach are well suited to keep hormonal changes in control and living a stress-free life. Certain Ayurvedic products that are naturally developed from Lifetree like Ashwagandha capsules and Advanced Weight Loss capsules are best Ayurvedic medicines in India that are available online to help women in their journey.

Let’s pledge to continue the discussion and fervor about women empowerment and women's health every single day and contribute in our own way for they are the most special creation of nature.

Read More: Can Ashwagandha Help You Sleep Better?