This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Pull Back Your Shoulders, Women!

“Man works from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.” - Alice Kramden, to her husband Ralph. (Original quote author unknown.)

 

Last week, I had noticed a woman who had been walking with hunched shoulders, and a careworn look upon her face. I couldn’t help but feel empathy for her, as I watched her cross the street in what appeared to be her morning constitutional. She seemed to have the weight of the world on her back, and I had wished, for all the world, that I somehow could have helped her to see her value.

Find out what's happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since that day, I’ve noticed many women who walk with their shoulders hunched, their faces downcast, and their demeanors rather sad. I’ve noticed, because I’ve seen that look in myself when I look into the mirror. Because of my yoga practice, I’ve become more conscious of the way that I hold my shoulders, but the habit of keeping them drooped is much easier than constantly trying to pull them down and back.

A woman’s life is not an easy one, that is for certain. We have all had the history lesson of women fighting for equal rights, and winning the battle. We have also known that by our victories, we have also saddled ourselves with much more responsibility than ever before. Women with children, both married and single, are singlehandedly the most stressed persons on the planet; juggling career or job, family life, husbands or partners (if applicable) and caring for a home or apartment. Although we are no longer churning our own butter (ha ha) or sweeping our floors, thanks to technology advancements, we are struggling to fit more and more into our already active lives. Stooped shoulders are only one of the side effects of this sign of the times.

Find out what's happening in Plainviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Heart disease in women has skyrocketed over the years. One in four women dies of heart disease yearly, and in 2004, nearly 60 per cent more women died of heart disease (both heart disease and stroke) than from all cancers combined. While both men and women have heart attacks, more women die from them. Women of color and Latino women should be concerned, as they have greater risk for developing heart disease than white women, due to higher risk factors, including obesity, lack of physical exercise, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If you are at risk for developing heart disease, be sure to follow steps to keep yourself healthy. Maintain a healthy weight, know your blood pressure, stop smoking, exercise, get tested for diabetes, and find ways to cope with stress.

Depression in women is incredibly common. In fact, women are twice as likely to develop clinical depression than men. And one in four women is likely to have a major depressive episode in her life. While hormonal fluctuations and family history play a major role in the development of depression, social and economic stressors have been shown to trigger symptoms as well. If you feel persistently empty, sad or anxious, or suffer symptoms such as excessive crying, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest in activities, excessive sleeping, or restlessness, a chat with your doctor is in order. You may be at greater risk than you realize.

Women do a lot. I realize how trite this statement sounds, especially to men, but please understand that they do not sit at home and watch television while popping bon-bons into their mouths. Most of them are playing taxi to their children, working a full time job, cleaning the home, doing the laundry, taking care of the bills, and taking care of dinner. There aren’t a whole lot of women who are taking great care of themselves; the ones who are could be considered the lucky ones. Autoimmune disease is also on the rise, and a vast majority of the 8% of the population who suffer from these diseases are women; a recent survey showed that rate at 78%. Lupus, fibromyalgia, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, Grave’s disease and multiple sclerosis lead the pack; because of a woman’s stronger inflammatory response when their immune system is triggered, this inflammation plays a key role in many autoimmune diseases. While the stronger inflammatory response results in a stronger immunity in women, it also can result in a stronger chance of developing an autoimmune disorder, should something go wrong.

That all being said, it’s so important for you to find time for yourself. With everything that a woman has to do, it is all the more vital to make time to relax, unwind, and de-stress. I understand that it is easier said than done, but please, for the sake of your loved ones who depend upon you, take a step back and delegate. Allow others to help you, or if you cannot get it all done, LEAVE IT. You were not meant to run like a chicken without a head, in order to try to do everything. The “superwoman syndrome” must die, for the sake of all women out there. Stop trying to play the part of the hero. Take care of yourselves, and be sure to love yourself unconditionally. Take deep breaths, because Rome wasn’t built in a day. Things can wait. Learn to say “no” more often, and listen to your body. If you are constantly getting sick with colds and viruses, this is no coincidence. Stop running yourselves ragged, and be sure to put yourselves first, because you are no good to anyone else if you do not take care of yourself. The adage, “Man works from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done” needs to be put to rest. That may have worked years ago, but it doesn't fly anymore. For that matter, I don't think it ever truly flew. Women are not workhorses, and they deserve a rest, just as much as anybody. In fact, because of all women do, I firmly believe that they need even more of a rest. That's just my opinion, but I'll bet my bottom dollar that most of the female population agrees.

Shove your shoulders back with pride. Know that I appreciate all of you, even if you do not appreciate yourselves. If nobody else appreciates you, look at yourself in the mirror and strongly state, “I appreciate myself for who I am.” It has been said that when you say something with conviction, it becomes so. Do it, every single day, if you have to. Your words will create your reality.

You are women, hear yourselves roar.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?