How to Take Good Care of Yourself as a Woman

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It’s important to take good care of yourself every day to stay healthy and happy! If you’re a girl, then there are a few special considerations to include in your self-care routine. Start by ensuring that your physical health is a priority by eating healthy foods, exercising, and avoiding things that could harm you, such as drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. Then, turn your attention to your daily hygiene routines to help you look and feel your best. And don’t forget about your emotional self-care habits! Be kind to yourself and assert yourself in your relationships with other people.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Nurturing Your Physical Health

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  1. Nourish your body with healthy foods . Instead of reaching for junk foods when you’re hungry, go for more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods will nourish your body, keep you feeling full for longer, and help you to have more energy every day. [1] [2]
    • For example, you could have apple slices with 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 g) of peanut butter for a snack.
    • Or, make a healthy turkey sandwich for your lunch with whole wheat bread, a few slices of turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
  2. Sleep for at least 8 hours every night. Being well rested will help you to feel your best the following day, so go to bed early enough each night to get this amount of sleep. Turn off your phone, tablet, computer, and TV at least 30 minutes before you turn in and do something relaxing to wind yourself down. [3]
    • Try taking a warm shower or bath before you put on your pajamas.
    • Have a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint.
    • Listen to some relaxing music or read a book in bed.
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  3. Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. Getting regular exercise is an important way to take good care of your health. Make sure to choose an activity that you like so that you will actually want to do it! [4]
    • For example, if you like dancing, try taking dance classes or dancing along to music in your bedroom.
    • If you enjoy ice skating, hit the rink a few times per week.
    • If you’re a fan of running, join a runner’s club in your area.
  4. Relaxation is important for your physical and mental health, so make it a priority! Plan to spend at least 15 minutes every day doing something that you find relaxing. Some activities you might try include: [5]
    • Deep breathing , which is a quick and easy way to experience a sense of calm.
    • Meditation , which can help to quiet your mind and relieve stress.
    • Yoga , which is an effective form of exercise and a great way to relax.
    • Progressive muscle relaxation , which can help reduce everything from headaches to anxiety.
  5. These substances are bad for you and you will not be taking good care of your body if you use them. Cigarettes put you at a higher risk of all kinds of diseases, from cancer to heart disease to asthma. Drugs lower your inhibitions and put you at risk of injury and death from risky behaviors or overdose. Just say “no” if someone offers you drugs!
  6. Water is the best thing to drink since it hydrates your body without added sugar. However, there’s no specific amount of water that you should drink every day. Drink water whenever you’re thirsty or sweaty to stay hydrated. [6]
    • Keep a water bottle on hand and take sips of it throughout the day any time you feel thirsty or after getting sweaty, such as from exercising. Refill your water bottle as needed.

    Tip : If you don’t like the taste of plain water, flavor it with a splash of juice, a twist of lemon or lime, or a few cucumber slices.

  7. Practice safe sex if you’re sexually active. If you’ve recently started having sex, then it’s important to keep yourself safe whenever you do so. Insist that your partner wears a condom every time. Keep some in your purse or backpack so that you’re always prepared. If they refuse to wear a condom, do not have sex with them! Sexually transmitted diseases are common and anyone can get one. [7]
    • You can visit a local clinic to get free condoms and contraceptives.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Good Hygiene

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  1. Hand hygiene is important for protecting yourself from germs and bacteria that collect on your hands throughout the day. Hold your hands under warm, running water and lather hand soap between them for 20 seconds to get them clean. Then, rinse your hands thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean, dry towel. [8]
  2. This will help you to stay clean and fresh. Wash your body thoroughly with soap or a body wash. Pay more attention to your armpits, vagina, and under your breasts. Allow the water to run over these areas a little longer than others to ensure that they are clean. Then, dry yourself off with a clean, dry towel. [9]
    • You can also shave your legs and underarms while you’re in the shower or bath if you want to remove excess body hair. However, this is totally optional! If you don’t want to shave, then don’t worry about it.
    • Apply lotion to your body after you shower if your skin seems dry.

    Tip : You may want to bathe twice daily when you’re on your period. You’re more likely to develop odors during your period, so taking a shower in the morning and at night may be helpful.

  3. How often you need to shampoo your hair will depend on whether or not it is oily. If your scalp produces a lot of oil, then you may need to wash it every day. However, if you have a normal or dry scalp, then you can wash your hair once every other day or possibly even every 3 days. Focus on washing your scalp when you shampoo your hair and then apply conditioner to the ends of your hair to moisturize it. [10]
    • If you have dandruff, use a dandruff-fighting shampoo.
    • Avoid heat styling tools. If you do use them, apply a heat protector product to your hair first.
  4. Wash your face at least 2 times daily. Wash your face after you wake up in the morning and before going to bed at night. Use a gentle skin cleanser and warm water to wash your face. You can use your fingertips to apply the skin cleanser or use a soft washcloth. Work the cleanser into wet skin and then splash your face with water 3 or more times to rinse away the soap. Pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer to your face and neck. [11]
  5. Ideally, brush your teeth after every meal to keep them clean and fresh. However, if this isn't possible, brushing your teeth after you wake up in the morning and before bed at night may be more realistic. Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush the tops, backs, sides of all of your teeth. Spend about 2 minutes brushing and then rinse your mouth with water. [12]
    • Replace your toothbrush every 3 months as well.
  6. It’s important to change your pad, cup, or tampon regularly when you are on your period, so check it every time you go to the bathroom. If it seems full, change it. This will help to prevent odors and infection. [13]
    • Tampons also carry the risk of toxic shock syndrome if you wear them for too long, so never wear a tampon for more than 8 hours and always go with the lowest level of absorption that you need.
  7. You don’t need to go for a manicure every week, but taking a few minutes to trim, file down, and clean your nails can help to improve your overall hygiene. Use a nail brush to scrub under your nails with soap and water if you like them long since long nails can harbor bacteria. [14]
    • Don’t bite your nails or cuticles! This can damage your fingernails and lead to an infection.
    • You can apply nail polish to your nails if desired. Choose a color that you like and apply 2 coats. Let each coat dry completely after applying it.
  8. When you dress yourself, make sure to choose items that have been laundered since you last wore them to ensure that they smell good. Also, select items that fit your body well and that you like to wear. Don’t wear clothing that makes you feel uncomfortable or that is painfully tight.
    • Opt for comfortable items that are also practical for what you’ll be doing. For example, if you have school, then a comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt or sweater might be the perfect choice.
    • Don’t worry about dressing in clothes that fit a certain trend. Wear items that make you feel good!
    EXPERT TIP

    Alena Le Blanc

    Personal Stylist
    Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University.
    Alena Le Blanc
    Personal Stylist

    Try out different styles and looks. In a style rut? Identify the image you want to cultivate. Prioritize purchasing high-quality garments and learn about fabrics and construction to make informed choices. Most importantly, don't be afraid to try new styles that flatter your body and make you feel confident.

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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Developing Emotional Self-Care Habits

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  1. with positive thinking. Negative self-talk is when you put yourself down or criticize yourself. Everyone does it sometimes, but it’s not good for your self-esteem. Pay attention to when you do this and correct yourself when it happens. To correct negative self-talk, simply contradict the negative thought or statement. [15]
    • For example, if you get a bad grade on a test and catch yourself thinking, “I am so stupid!” stop yourself, take a deep breath, and revise the thought. Try telling yourself something that you might tell a friend who has just gotten a bad grade, such as, “It’s okay! It’s just one grade. You did your best. You can learn from this experience and do even better next time.”
    • Try viewing negative situations with a curious mindset instead! Ask yourself questions like "What needs to change here?" or "Why was this so negative?" [16]
  2. Practice mindfulness to stay engaged with your surroundings. Mindfulness is when you pay closer attention to what is happening right now by using your 5 senses. You can use sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to help you connect with the world around you, feel more present, and keep yourself feeling calm and happy. The next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed, take a moment to look at the situation using all 5 senses. [17]
    • For example, if you’re feeling stressed while at home studying for a big test, you might stop and notice the feeling of the carpet between your toes, the smell of an air freshener in your bedroom, the taste of your mint chewing gum, the soft glow of a flameless candle on your desk, and the sound of the wind blowing outside.
  3. Talking with someone who cares about you can help you to feel better when things are difficult. Call a trusted friend or family member when you’re struggling with something and tell them how you’re feeling. [18] [19]
    • For example, if you’ve been having a hard time making friends at school, you might tell a friend or family member about this and how it’s made you feel. Try saying something like, “I’m struggling with making friends right now and I’m not sure what to do.”
  4. Set and enforce healthy boundaries with friends and family members. Your boundaries are what you will and will not accept in terms of how people treat you. Identify what behaviors you will not tolerate from other people and make it clear to them. Let them know how you will respond if they cross a boundary. [20]
    • For example, if you have a friend who sometimes yells at you when they are mad, then let them know this is unacceptable. Try saying something like, “I understand that you get frustrated sometimes, but it’s not okay to take it out on me by yelling at me. If you do that, I will have to walk away or hang up.”
    • Be sure to follow through with whatever consequences you set. For example, if your friend yells at you, walk away or hang up on them. Don’t give them a second warning. It’s important to stick to your boundaries to show people that you will enforce them.
  5. Meditate or pray daily, if you want to develop your spiritual life. Prayer or meditation can be a soothing way to begin or end your day. It’s also a great way to take care of your spiritual needs if you want to develop a spiritual life. Try doing a guided meditation or simply sit in silence for 10 to 15 minutes each day and focus on a mantra or quote that you like. [21]
    • You might also consider joining a church or going to a meditation center once or twice per week.
  6. Taking care of your possessions and the areas that belong to you, such as your bedroom and locker, is important for your emotional well-being. If these areas are messy and not well-kept, you may feel overwhelmed whenever you look at them. But if you keep them neat and tidy, seeing these areas will be a relaxing experience. Take 15 minutes each day to tidy your personal spaces. [22]
    • Use shelves and organizers to make things look neat and tidy.

    Tip : Consider donating anything that is cluttering your area that you don’t use, such as old clothes or toys. Or, if your family has a yard sale, ask if you can include some of your items to make a little extra money for yourself.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you mentally take care of yourself?
    Leah Morris
    Life Coach
    Leah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts.
    Leah Morris
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Practice self-love by paying attention to what you need. Let yourself cry if you're feeling emotional, or go on an adventure if you're feeling bored. Take time to care for yourself both mentally and physically!
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  • Question
    What are 3 things a female-bodied person can do to take care of their body?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    First, you can eat well. Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and plenty of healthy sources of fat (such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, and fish). It’s also important to get plenty of sleep, since sleeping well can improve your overall health and relieve stress. Since people with female bodies are susceptible to different health issues from male-bodied people, see your gynecologist or general practitioner for regular checkups and screenings.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do you take care of yourself as a teenage girl?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    To take care of yourself physically, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of physical activity, and make sure you sleep at least 8-10 hours each night if you can. Being a teen can be stressful, so don’t neglect your emotional health. Spend time with supportive friends and family, take time to work on hobbies you enjoy, and try stress-relieving activities, like meditation and yoga.
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      Tips

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/index.html
      2. ↑ Leah Morris. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 19 June 2020.
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/how-much-sleep.html?WT.ac=ctg
      4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/exercise-wise.html?WT.ac=ctg
      5. ↑ https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/counseling-and-wellness/workshops-and-self-help/self-care#physical
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
      7. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/safer-sex
      8. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/index.html
      9. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hygiene-basics.html?WT.ac=ctg
      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/hair-care/tips-for-healthy-hair
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/face-washing-101
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193
      4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/autism-hygiene-girls.html
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954
      6. ↑ https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/counseling-and-wellness/workshops-and-self-help/self-care#emotional
      7. ↑ Leah Morris. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 19 June 2020.
      8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/counseling-and-wellness/workshops-and-self-help/self-care#emotional
      10. ↑ Leah Morris. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 19 June 2020.
      11. ↑ https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/counseling-and-wellness/workshops-and-self-help/self-care#emotional
      12. ↑ https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/counseling-and-wellness/workshops-and-self-help/self-care#emotional
      13. ↑ https://www.wright.edu/student-affairs/health-and-wellness/counseling-and-wellness/workshops-and-self-help/self-care#emotional

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To take care of yourself if you’re a girl, it’s important to nurture yourself physically and emotionally. You can do this by eating well, practicing good hygiene, and being kind to yourself. Instead of eating junk food when you’re hungry, eat plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, which will give you more energy throughout the day. Take a shower every day to keep your body clean, and brush your teeth twice a day to keep your mouth fresh! Besides taking care of your body, you should take care of your mind with positive thinking. For example, if you get a bad grade on a test, instead of thinking “I am so stupid!” tell yourself, “It’s okay! It’s just 1 grade. You did your best.” Additionally, if you’re feeling stressed, talk to a trusted friend or family member, which will help you feel better. To learn how to exercise to take good care of yourself, read on!

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