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Photo Credit: Photo by Ayo Ogunseinde on Unsplash

Guest Post by: Shelia Johnson at Well Sheila

Women Versus Men: The Differences

A matchup between men and women is always interesting, but it’s not physical strength or intelligence we want to talk about. The truth is that women have more risk factors than men when it comes to health problems like heart disease, says Cleveland Clinic.

Women’s bodies also react differently to stress than men’s — a woman’s heart pumps more blood when she’s stressed, while men’s blood pressures rise. Different symptoms of heart disease can also confuse things. Fortunately, exercise and healthy habits can help women lower their risk.

But it’s not just physical differences that set men and women apart. Women experience depression — and receive a diagnosis for it — more often than men. Postpartum depression is another issue that’s unique to women, and hitting the gym isn’t a cure-all for baby blues.

The fact is that ladies need a unique approach to wellness — both physical and mental — to stay healthy and empowered. Fortunately, there are inexpensive ways to ensure your health and feel your best. Staying focused, motivated, and on track with your weight loss and wellness goals can be challenging. Try these tips to stick with it:

1. Look the Part

Embarking on a weight loss journey can be intimidating, but overhauling your mindset can help. Look at working out as a new adventure — and one that requires a new wardrobe. You can purchase workout gear to support your goals without breaking the bank with Nordstrom Rack coupons and promo codes.

Without overspending, you’ll be looking the part in no time — whether you’re walking, riding an exercise bike, or doing yoga. Plus, studies suggest that donning appropriate workout attire can change your attitude and confidence. In short, you can’t go wrong with yoga pants.

2. Care for All of You

Looking at physical fitness under a microscope means you’re missing the bigger picture when it comes to wellness. Physiology is only part of your path to better health. Psychology can also help you meet your goals and make more significant progress. In short, your mindset matters, so an overall healthy lifestyle needs to include self-care and mental health support as necessary.

On the plus side, this step doesn’t need to cost you much — most insurance plans are required to cover mental health support, for one thing, says the National Alliance on Mental Illness. But routine self-care can also be as simple as taking time to relax, indulging in hobbies you enjoy, and spending time with friends.

3. Know Yourself

Knowing that you hate running or that meditation helps you relax is a good start. But knowing yourself also comes down to understanding your physiology and why losing weight may be more difficult for you than men and even other women.

Women tend to have slower metabolism than men, but you may not see the same results by following your BFF’s meal plan or fitness regimen, either. Customizing a routine that works for your needs is essential for weight loss success. That’s one reason expensive fad diets don’t work — they don’t consider how different each person’s physical makeup is, whether man or woman. Save your money and invest in lifestyle changes rather than weight loss gimmicks.

Caring for your body and mind involves far more than counting calories and hitting the gym. To really reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, you need to understand why your body does what it does — and how to keep the entire system in alignment. If you’re ready to combine physiology with psychology for a well-rounded approach to fitness and health, reach out to Stacy Reuille for expert advice today.

Author: Stacy Reuille-Dupont: Dr. Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD, LAC, CPFT, CNC, licensed psychologist, addiction counselor, personal trainer, and nutrition coach. She’s passionate about helping people create a vibrant life using psychology and physiology. With over 25 years of coaching people to be their best, she understands how to make living healthily easy while finding adventure, inspiration, and balance.