Three old-school health habits women have passed down for generations
Busy. That is probably one of the most common words working women use to describe their lives. There’s so much packed into those days, starting with work, meetings, family, errands, messages, appointments, and a hundred little things we’re all trying to keep up with while somehow remembering to take care of ourselves.
With all the health information and wellness innovations available to us, you might think taking care of ourselves would be easier than it was 10 or 15 years ago — and in many ways, it is. We have fitness apps, smart watches, online workouts, supplements delivered to our doors and more health advice than we could possibly read in a lifetime. But here’s the funny thing, sometimes having too many options makes taking care of ourselves feel like another job.
The good news, however, is that some of the best habits don’t require an app, a subscription or an expensive product. They’re simple, familiar and, in many cases, things your mom, grandmother and even her mother probably did without thinking twice.
1) Drink a glass of water first thing
Did you know that while you’re sleeping, your body continues to lose water through breathing, your skin and, of course, trips to the bathroom, which can add up to around 400 ml or even more depending on the conditions? That’s about two large glasses of water. So before you reach for your phone, put the coffee on or start thinking about everything waiting for you that day, pour yourself a glass of water.
Another reason to put water before coffee is its diuretic effect, which means it can increase your fluid loss. That doesn’t mean your coffee is “dehydrating” you, but having some water first is still a simple way to make sure hydration gets a head start. The good news is that there’s no complicated routine to remember. Just pour, drink and get on with your morning.
2) Put petroleum jelly on your lips before bed
There’s a reason this humble little jar has been sitting in bathroom cabinets for generations. A thin layer of petroleum jelly before bed can help protect your lips by creating a barrier that reduces moisture loss, which is particularly useful when your lips feel dry, tight or chapped. And unlike many complicated beauty routines, this one takes about ten seconds.
Just apply a small amount before you turn out the light. It’s also a lovely reminder that looking after yourself doesn’t always have to mean buying the newest serum or following a 12-step routine. Sometimes, the old-fashioned solution is still sitting on the shelf.
3) Massage a drop of oil into your scalp
This one may be the most old-school habit of all. For generations, women have used simple oils as part of their hair and scalp routines, often turning the process into a relaxing ritual rather than something rushed between appointments. A gentle scalp massage can feel soothing, and taking a couple of minutes to massage a small amount of suitable hair oil into your scalp gives you a rare excuse to slow down and pay attention to yourself. Warm a few drops between your fingertips, gently massage your scalp for a minute or two, and wash it out when it suits your routine.
Just remember that scalp oiling is a simple self-care habit, not a treatment for significant hair loss. If you’re experiencing noticeable or severe hair loss, it’s worth speaking to a professional about hair loss treatment for women so you can find out what may be causing it and what options are appropriate for you. If you have a sensitive scalp or a skin condition, choose products carefully and stop if something irritates your skin.
There’s always another health trend to try, another product to buy and another routine promising to transform our lives, but the truth is, health habits don’t have to be complicated to matter. A glass of water in the morning, a little petroleum jelly before bed and a few minutes of scalp massage aren’t magic fixes, and they certainly aren’t replacements for sleep, nutritious food, movement or proper medical care, but they are small, manageable things we often neglect to do, and we shouldn’t.
