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As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we celebrate and advocate for the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. But for all our advances, problems persist for girls, women and mothers.
Key stressors include constantly worrying over children and childcare, unreasonable expectations at work, partners not stepping up, and politicians who can't enact helpful policy. But women are not resigned, they are reprioritizing — putting their own wellbeing first — because no one else will. Here’s how yoga helps ease some issues.
1. Girls are hitting puberty early — like 8 years old. Children diagnosed with precocious puberty almost doubled between 2016 and 2021, with a sharp post-2020 spike. When researchers investigated possible reasons that more girls were entering puberty sooner, they focussed on three main factors. One was stress. Yoga for girls and teens strengthens, stretches and de-stresses their bodies and minds. It also reduces period pain.
2. Maternal mortality rates went up 40% in 2021 compared to the previous year according to a recent CDC report. That’s about 33 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Despite medical advancements, the US — one of the wealthiest countries in the world — has seen a rise in the maternal death rate for years. Black women are nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. Prenatal yoga can help pregnant people sleep better, reduce back pain and ease the birthing experience.
3. Gender inequality with the average woman earning just 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man and the imbalance of unpaid labor at home. However, both men and women are likely to live longer with a growing body of research showing that advances in women's rights benefit everyone. Yoga is for everyone to balance energy. Men and women benefit equally from regular mindfulness, movement, and meditation practice.
So to all the women and female-identifying peeps who brave the day, show up with open hearts and empower, motivate, and inspire you to always pursue your wellbeing every day and all year round…. thank you. 🙏