Take A Deep Breath

WELLNESS | by VALERIE GRIFFITH, KAVITA VARMA-WHITE and ROBIN AVNI

TALK ABOUT ONE TOUGH DECADE. Wars. Floods. Terrorism. The housing bubble burst and the economy seriously sagged. It’s been rough, especially for women, the caretakers and problem-solvers for friends and family who have nurtured, gathered and given until they were ready to drop.

As their lives grow even more complex, women understand that caretaking requires self-care. They will demand the time to take the care — whether it’s utilizing the Family Leave Act or grabbing an hour for themselves in the early dawn. They will de-stress with yoga and strengthen with Pilates; run even more miles and Walk for the Cure in cities all across the country. Salsa, swing, pole-dancing or tango, they will tap their hearts out and get fit while they do it.

Although the new year brings renewed optimism, it doesn’t erase everyday — and sometimes simultaneous — struggles with growing bodies and aging bodies.

Heathly eating remains high on the list, and other food issues play out along a continuum of concerns, from childhood obesity to pre-teen body images and teenage anorexia, and eventually menopausal weight gain and bone density. And while some women may consider adding a touch of Restylane here or a bit of Botox there, nothing will erase the reality of coping with their aging parents.

It’s hard to tell how the recent mammogram controversy will play out, but one thing is for sure: Women will not be silent as they are, indeed, their sister’s keepers.

This will be another year where she picks herself up, dusts herself off — and tries to remember to breathe.

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EXCERPTED FROM 10 INSIGHTS FOR 2010 by Lifestyle Insights.
For more information: robin@robinavni.com.

© 2009 robinavni | lifestyle topics, insights & trends llc, Valerie Griffith and Kavita Varma-White. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be duplicated or redistributed in any form without written permission.

Edited by MOLLY MARTIN; image source: iSTOCKPHOTO.