The Truth About Women's Health, Home, And Holistic Wellness
As women, we often find ourselves wearing multiple hats—caretakers, professionals, friends, partners—and somewhere along the way, our own health and well-being can fall to the bottom of the priority list. In a world that sometimes overlooks or minimizes the unique health needs of women, we must prioritize our health in a way that is bold, determined, and unapologetic.
This blog isn't just about self-care in the conventional sense—it's about empowerment. It's about what we can and should do to advocate for our health, take care of our minds and bodies, and create a life that supports our well-being. From advocating for yourself in the doctor’s office to surrounding yourself with inspiring spaces, this is your reminder that your health deserves to come first.
The Power of Self-Advocacy
One of the most empowering acts a woman can undertake is advocating for her health. In the healthcare system, women’s symptoms are sometimes dismissed or minimized, and it can feel disheartening when we’re told that nothing is wrong, despite knowing something is off. But let me tell you this: You know your body better than anyone else. And if something doesn’t feel right, you have every right to demand answers.
A Personal Story of Advocacy
I’ve personally experienced the consequences of not being heard by healthcare professionals. Several years ago, I had a medical issue that was repeatedly dismissed by doctors. I was told that what I was experiencing wasn’t serious, that I should “wait it out.” That attitude led to a near-death experience, and from that point on, I vowed never to allow myself to be dismissed again.
My mother had always given me a piece of advice that now guides how I approach every healthcare conversation: “Never take no for an answer when it comes to your health. If someone isn’t listening, find someone who will say yes and address your concerns.” I carry this with me every day, and it has fundamentally changed how I navigate healthcare and how I think about advocating for my well-being.
In early 2023, I made a promise to myself to focus on doing things that support my feeling of control over what I can control, and to let go of what is beyond my reach. This simple shift in mindset—combined with practices like decluttering my home and creating a calming space—has allowed me to feel more grounded, more at peace, and better able to tackle challenges as they come. It has improved my mental clarity, and I’ve found that a well-designed space supports me in living my best life.
Understanding Your Worth
We deserve to be listened to. Yet, too often, women’s health issues are downplayed or brushed aside. According to a 2018 study published in Academic Emergency Medicine, women experiencing heart attacks are more likely to be misdiagnosed than men, especially when treated by male doctors. This highlights the need for women to persist in seeking appropriate care, particularly when symptoms are serious but aren’t taken seriously.
Not Taking No for an Answer
When it comes to advocating for yourself, persistence is key. If one doctor doesn’t listen, seek a second opinion. If something feels wrong, don’t let it be swept under the rug. Keep pushing until you find someone who listens—who takes the time to ask questions, run tests, and get to the root of the issue.
A well-known example is Serena Williams, who had to advocate for her own care after giving birth, when she experienced life-threatening complications that were initially dismissed. Her story is a reminder that no one knows your body better than you do.
Knowing When to Push Back
Advocacy means knowing when to push back. Consider the personal accounts of women who have persistently advocated for themselves and, after years of misdiagnosis, finally received the care they needed. Research has shown that women are less likely to receive timely diagnoses and appropriate treatment for serious conditions like heart disease.
Advocating for your health is one of the most powerful ways to show yourself love. It’s not selfish, and it’s not unnecessary. It’s essential.
Finding Connection in Community and Nature
Health isn’t just about what happens in a doctor’s office—it’s about how we live our lives. One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of well-being is connection. Surrounding ourselves with people who lift us up, seeking out beauty, and making time to recharge in nature are vital forms of self-care that we should prioritize as much as physical health.
The Healing Power of Friendship
There’s something inherently healing about spending time with people who understand us. Strong social connections have been linked to better physical health, longer life expectancy, and improved mental well-being. Harvard Medical School notes that people with strong social connections tend to have lower levels of anxiety and depression, and they even have stronger immune systems.
Loneliness, on the other hand, has been shown to have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Studies have linked loneliness to higher rates of inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive decline. For women, social support plays an especially crucial role, as we often bear the emotional labor of caring for others and managing households.
Make it a priority to spend time with people who bring joy to your life. Carve out space in your busy schedule for a dinner with friends, a phone call with a loved one, or a weekend getaway with those who support and inspire you. These moments of connection are vital to our mental health.
Visiting Beautiful, Inspirational Spaces
Never underestimate the power of beauty. It’s not just something to be appreciated on a surface level—visiting beautiful, inspiring places has a profound impact on how we feel. According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, exposure to aesthetically pleasing environments can reduce stress and promote mental clarity. Whether it’s a gallery, a museum, a beautifully designed restaurant, or a scenic lookout point, these spaces can evoke feelings of peace, creativity, and wonder.
Incorporating beauty into your life is more than just an indulgence—it’s a form of self-care. Surrounding yourself with inspiration, whether through art, nature, or design, can uplift your mood and provide mental relief from the stresses of daily life. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking a moment to step into a beautiful space can shift your mindset, offering a fresh perspective and a sense of calm.
Getting Into Nature
Nature has an undeniable power to heal. The simplicity of walking through the woods, breathing in fresh air, or sitting by the ocean can reset your mind and body in ways that no other space can. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, just 20 minutes spent in nature significantly lowers stress hormone levels.
Time spent outdoors has been shown to improve mood, increase focus, and even boost creativity. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains or a quiet walk through a park, being in nature can ground you and remind you of the bigger picture.
If you’ve been feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, consider spending more time outdoors. Whether it’s a hike, a park visit, or simply a few minutes in your backyard, connecting with nature can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Exploring Holistic and Eastern Medicine
In our quest for health, sometimes we need to explore options outside the conventional system. Eastern medicine, holistic practices, and alternative therapies offer unique approaches that focus on the body as a whole, addressing not just physical symptoms but mental and emotional well-being as well.
The Benefits of Alternative Treatments
Eastern medicine, such as acupuncture, herbal treatments, and energy work, have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain, according to research from the National Institutes of Health, while herbal treatments have been linked to improvements in stress management and sleep quality.
For some women, alternative treatments provide the answers they weren’t able to find in traditional medicine. Whether it’s meditation for mental clarity, acupuncture for pain relief, or herbal remedies for stress, these treatments offer new possibilities for healing and balance.
A Personal Reflection on Holistic Practices
One of the practices that has profoundly impacted my well-being is acupuncture. I began using acupuncture to help reduce stress, and the results were undeniable. This practice has helped me release tension in ways that nothing else has. I also found sound baths to be an incredibly calming experience. When I attended a sound bath, I was able to relax deeply, and it gave me the mental clarity I needed to think through some challenges in my life.
These alternative healing methods have been instrumental in my journey to maintaining balance, and I encourage other women to explore practices like these. They offer a different approach to health—one that considers the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected. Whether it’s acupuncture, meditation, or energy healing, these methods can help reset and rejuvenate in ways traditional treatments sometimes overlook.
Cultivating Inner Peace and Balance
At the core of all health journeys is the desire for inner peace and balance. As women, we are constantly juggling responsibilities, and the pressure to be everything for everyone can be overwhelming. But finding moments of calm and creating rituals that center us can help restore that balance.
Mental Health is Health
It’s easy to overlook mental health when we’re focused on physical well-being, but the two are intricately connected. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability for women globally. Mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression can manifest physically, causing everything from chronic pain to digestive issues.
Acknowledging that you deserve to feel mentally healthy is one of the best forms of self-care. Therapy, mindfulness practices, or simply setting boundaries that protect your mental well-being are essential for thriving.
Decluttering My Life—And My Mind
One of the practices that has had the most significant impact on my life is decluttering. There’s something incredibly freeing about cleaning and organizing my home. It’s not just about tidying up the physical space—it’s about decluttering my mind, too. When my space is clear, my thoughts are clearer, and I find that I’m able to perform at a higher capacity in other areas of my life.
Improving my home environment has helped me stay motivated and inspired. When my space feels calm and organized, I feel more in control of my surroundings and more at peace with the world around me. This, in turn, gives me the energy to pursue the activities that help me live my best life.
Building a Supportive Environment
Your home should be a sanctuary—a space that supports and nurtures your health and well-being. Our surroundings play a significant role in how we feel, so why not design your space to reflect peace, joy, and balance?
Designing a Space That Reflects Your Journey
As I’ve navigated my own health journey, I’ve come to realize how much our physical environments influence our mental and emotional well-being. After my personal experiences with stress, advocacy, and healing, I’ve made it a priority to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also support a deeper sense of well-being.
The design choices you make for your home—whether it’s calming color palettes, comfortable furniture, or spaces designed for relaxation—should reflect the balance and peace you’re seeking in your life. Creating a space that aligns with your journey can have a profound impact on how you feel every day.
A Design Firm That Thinks About the Whole Person
At Denine Jackson Interiors, we don’t just design beautiful spaces—we create environments that support the whole person. Your home should be a reflection of your journey to better health and well-being, and we’re here to help you craft that space.
When you work with us, it’s not about “buying stuff”—it’s about aligning your environment with the life you’re striving to create. We’re here for women who are ready to start or continue their journey to a better life, through better health and a nurturing environment. Let us help you create the space that supports you, mind, body, and spirit.
