Strengthened by stories of past victories and resilience, we stand today saluting the progress we've made and the path we're heading. While the world keeps demanding more, Women's Month reminds us that we have earned the right to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. Take a moment to use these mindful habits to nurture a deeper connection with yourself: 

1. Grow into who you can be. Caring for our wellbeing empowers us in a way where we gravitate closer to more meaningful connections and accomplishments. We catalyze personal growth through mindful practices like outlining our aims and ambitions. In Daring Greatly, Brown (2012) describes setting goals rooted in our personal values as integral in navigating life with greater clarity and purpose. Actively knowing the core of our pursuits strengthens our sense of self while guiding us to move forward, achieve our desires and improve our overall productivity.


2. Mindful Living for an Empowered You. To foster a deep sense of empowerment, it's crucial to be fully present with your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Kabat-Zinn (1990) in Full Catastrophe Living elaborates on the positive effects of regular practice of mindfulness on regulating stress and emotions. Simply starting your day with thoughtful habits such as stretching, drinking lemon water, or a healthy breakfast equips you with a clear mindset to face the day.


3. Unwind, Unplug, and Recharge. Today, thanks to decades of bold progress, we now have the freedom to breathe and replenish ourselves. Setting daily screen limits, going for nature walks, doing breathing exercises, or engaging in calming hobbies like gardening help create intentional moments of rest. In a study conducted by Twenge et al. (2018), it was established that time spent away from electronic devices improves sleep quality, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall well-being.

Women's Month is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the right to thrive. The more we nourish our well-being, the more space we create for a fulfilling life. Being a month of recognizing progress, it's also a time to hold onto the promise of what lies ahead, a future where everyone has a space to grow, heal, and live the life we deserve.

References:

Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Gotham Books.

Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantman Books.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Dell Publishing.

Twenge, J.M., Martin, G.N., & Campbell, W.K. (2018). Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents after 2012 and links to screen time. Emotion, 18(6), 765-780. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000403