Kyunki Saas bhi kabhi bahu thi-Message for homemakers this Women’s Day

Our story, perhaps as old as time and at least as old as Indian TV begins with grand fanfare as a young dynamic woman enters the traditional home of her in-laws brimming with excitement to begin a new chapter of her life. Parallelly during her honeymoon phase, she is also undergoing training and settling into perhaps the most unique and challenging “job” in the world.

A CEO has an entire cohort of people to serve him, and a neurosurgeon's shift lasts a maximum of 12 hours, however with almost no help, this young woman begins perhaps the longest shift. She is the lynchpin on which the entire house is balanced, from the elders to the kids, she is always running around making sure everything is perfect for everyone.

Daily Routine of a “Bahu”

Making sure that the father-in-law gets his morning chai, that the husband's lunch is packed before he goes to work, getting the children ready for school, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, getting the groceries, spending with the kids after school, making dinner and on and on, this is more or less how 20 years of her life pass by.

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Health crisis faced by homemakers

However, in this transition from a bahu to a saas, several other silent companions join her on this journey. Diabetes, thyroid problems, hypertension, muscular skeletal problems, and mental health issues all begin to rear their ugly heads as the years go by.

If you still don’t believe me then go and ask any gynaecologist who’s been practising long enough and they will tell you countless stories that they have witnessed firsthand, about how through this journey of womanhood, through the years of selfless service of being there always for everyone, though always putting everyone above themselves, these women's overall health pays the price.

What now?

Well, as the saying goes, the first step towards solving any problem is to first accept that there is one.

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1. The mental shift

There has to be a change in the way we think about women's health. Far too many households think that the gynecologist is the end all be all of women's health. There is a need to expand the scope of women's health beyond just their reproductive health to their overall holistic health. Are you a homemaker, diligently attending to the needs of your family members? Do you find yourself drained by the day's end, grappling with persistent feelings of distress? Are you plagued by a sense of diminished self-worth, as if your current occupation offers little fulfilment? Your efforts often go unnoticed, leaving you feeling unappreciated and undervalued. 

If you constantly battle feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness, and harbor a strong desire to break free from the constraints holding you back, you may be experiencing what is known as Housewife Syndrome. Asking for help, taking up a new hobby, talking to a therapist or a counsellor, having open conversations with your family members, enjoying some me-time or even starting a new job might be the solution to cope with this problem. 

2. Priorities

Women need to be educated to prioritize their health. Any internalized guilt that they might feel about prioritizing their care, should be addressed by explaining that their health does not just have an impact on them but on their entire family as well. By actively choosing to nourish your body, engage in regular physical activity, handle stress effectively, and promptly address any medical concerns, you can pave the way for a more vibrant and fulfilling life. It's crucial to recognize that self-care is not a mere indulgence but an essential component of overall well-being.

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3. Physical Activity

The single biggest change that women can take to positively impact their health is to have 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. It has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, increase energy levels and help with chronic conditions. To facilitate this, there needs to be safe community spaces built so that women can exercise without fear of harassment. 

4. Khulke Puchho platform

There is a dire need to connect women across all backgrounds on a safe, secure and judgment free platform to come together on their journey of health. Access to medical professionals, learning resources to educate them, to nutrition and exercise plans are a must. Most of all, a shared sense of community, of women empowering themselves and others can go a long way to improve the state of women's health in our country. We at Gytree became this humble initiative to empower and take a stand for all women out there who tirelessly fulfil each and every role to the best of their abilities.

Gytree began with the aim of reaching out to women and providing them with solutions to their common health concerns. Every women deserves this, a platform where they can voice their opinions and ask wholeheartedly without the fear of being judged, khulke puchho! Visit the Gytree Shop to purchase our products and supplements. Consult our Gytree Experts for any health queries or concerns. Check out our Gytree programsfor holistic health and well-being. Together, united, we can bring about waves of change by spreading awareness and lending each other a helping hand as we stride through this journey of life. 

Let this occasion of Women’s Day remind us of the power we hold within ourselves- The power to shape our own destinies. To defy all odds and become pioneers of our health. Instead of letting life pass you by, take your health into your own hands, not letting disease control you.