5 Forms of Self-Care That Women Neglect

5 underrated ways for women to practice self-care. From sexual and emotional health to giving back and going to the doctor regularly.

Thank you to Babbleboxx for sponsoring this Women’s Wellness discussion.

One thing I’ve been happy to see over the past few years is that practicing self-care has become more mainstream due to reduction of stigma surrounding openly talking about the connection between physical and mental health.

But there are still some areas of self-care, especially for women, that go unaddressed or are neglected on a daily basis.

Today I am diving into 5 of these underrated forms of self-care and detailing why they are just as important as that yoga class you take or the weekly girls night you plan with your friends.

Self-care comes in a variety of forms and it’s important that your personal self-care practice addresses all areas of your overall health.

Splurge on Skincare

Someone in my life once told me that most times it’s worth it to spend money to do something the right way the first time instead of being cheap upfront and then having to pay to correct it. This is exactly how I feel when it comes to skincare products.

Your skin is one of the most sensitive organs, so you shouldn’t be putting just any old generic drugstore product on it. There’s something to be said for trying different products to see what works best for you since everyone is different, but most times (in my experience) paying a little extra for higher quality ingredients can make a world of difference.

Whether you’re in the market for acne clearing products, general skin cleansers, or speciality CBD infused products like those from BOTA Skincare, focusing on high quality, natural ingredients will always put you in a better position for the long term health of your skin. My two favorite products from BOTA are:

Age Defying Hand Lotion with Apricot Kernel Oil + hemp-derived CBD | It contains plant-based ingredients to create a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly. This lotion also contains natural emollients and essential fatty acids that soothe and hydrate dry skin.

Warming Muscle Melt Creme with Warming Cinnamon Oil + hemp derived CBD | Cinnamon oil has been used for generations as a natural warming mechanism for muscles. I love using this after a tough workout to melt away soreness and tension. This crème combines warming cinnamon oil, shea butter, and hemp extract to help you relax and unwind.

You can use the discount code: WOMENSWELLNESS at checkout for 20% off sitewide.

Be Mindful of Your Cycle

Do you use a tracker for your menstrual cycle? I use the one that comes with my FitBit app, but there are ton of handy apps that allow you to document your cycle each month, add details, and note any changes or abnormalities. This is especially important if you’re on birth control, sexually active, or are experiencing debilitating period symptoms. I like using Pamprin for period pain relief. It’s especially helpful on your most painful days since it’s formulated to relieve the discomfort of cramps, headaches & backaches. It also provides you with the energy that your period usually drains from your body.

Another thing that goes hand in hand with tracking your cycle? Seeing your OB/GYN regularly. For some people that means attending your annual appointment and for others that may mean going more often depending on your situation.

Doctors appointments in general can be a PITA (pain in the ass) and OB/GYN appointments can be especially uncomfortable given the topics and personal nature of the discussions that need be had. But super important nonetheless!

Pleasure Yourself

Sexual and emotional health go hand in hand. While they’re often an uncomfortable topic to discuss, they are SO important to your overall well-being. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, female masturbation is important and necessary. Self-pleasuring is safe, easy, and free. Not only does it physically feel good, empower you as an individual, and help you learn more about your body (IMPORTANT for when you are in a relationship), but regular masturbation has been scientifically proven to improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase overall libido.

For more details on why self-pleasuring is important and beneficial, check out this article filled with advice from sexual health experts.

Masturbation and the use of self-pleasuring devices (like the Trojan Personal Massager) should no longer be a taboo issue. It’s all apart of having a normal self-care routine that addresses all of your needs and aspects of your health.

Self-love is SUCH an important part of self-care. Since the start of social distancing, 29% of women are masturbating more and compared to men (6%), women are much more likely (15%) to be using more toys or vibrators when masturbating during this time. The Trojan Ultra Touch Fingertip Massager is a great option because it brings pleasure into your own hands, so you can explore with confidence and improve your overall sexual wellness.

Give Back

As important as it is to focus on yourself when practicing self-care, it’s equally as important to step outside of your own needs as well. Simple acts of kindness can be an amazing way to boost your mood and shift your focus from any anxieties or worries you may be experiencing about your own life. Little things such as buying flowers for a friend or loved one, volunteering at your local animal shelter or food bank, or even leaving a positive review for a local shop or restaurant…all are great, easy ways to give back and project positivity into the world around you. Right now especially, donating to a charity or signing petitions for causes you support are two easy, impactful things you can do right from your own home!

Talk to Someone

Therapy has become more normalized in the past few years and with the advent of counseling apps and telemedicine resources, it’s now easier than ever to talk to someone as often as you need about any mental health issues you’re experiencing.

Whether you have anxiety, depression, or just need an unbiased person to vent to outside of your family and friends, it is so important to openly express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions instead of keeping things bottled up.

Here is a list of 10 mobile apps that provide talk therapy and advice from experts!

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Do you practice self-care?

What aspects of self-care are you neglecting in your own life?