As part of our 2021 Ohio Valley Women of Impact campaign, each participant is sharing their story as to why they are participating in the event. This entry is from Jayla Robinson.
I am honored to be nominated as a Women of Impact for the 2021 year and raise needed funds for the American Heart Association! Your health is so important. After the trying year all of us had with the pandemic, putting ourselves and our health first may have been on the back burner. I know with me; it was on the back burner. Stress can lead to unhealthy habits, and we can literally stress ourselves sick! Being that heart disease is the number one killer in women, simply feeling good can help decrease you chances of the disease. In 2020, my friend Shaye and I started a podcast called “Ask Yourself ‘Why Not?’” and it is all about feeling good and helping to recognize the stressors and adapt or change your mindset to the challenges in your life. It could be diet, lifestyle, work life, or any aspect of life that makes you feel uncomfortable.
I’ve come to realize as I get older that we as women and people in general do not even notice the obvious signs of the beginning stages of heart disease because with our lifestyles we simply just keep pushing through. When I was contacted to raise funds on behalf of American Heart Association and learned it is the number one killer in women, I immediately thought about how we as women tend to take care of everyone else before we recognize concerns within ourselves. Physical activity is linked to lower risk of diseases. Moving your body is one of the best ways to keep your body and mind healthy. I used to think that in order to feel accomplished, I had to do a hard intense workout. I have found that a simple walk with a friend can be as equally beneficial to my mind and my body. The next walk or run you go on, lose the apple iWatch or the Fitbit and just enjoy it! No judgement on yourself to make a certain time or distance and just show up for yourself. I did this on accident and then on purpose and I’ve noticed a difference in how I felt when I was finished.
The little things add up! Eating smart can be as simple as making better choices and recognizing how you feel after consuming certain foods. We all know ourselves better than we think we do. We constantly second guess ourselves and I encourage you to shift that mindset of “Why me?” to “WHY NOT YOU!?” Take action for yourself today for a better and happier you tomorrow! It is so important to be healthy, both physically and mentally, and why I feel bringing awareness to heart disease is key. Teach our children to know their bodies and engage in movement and healthy eating habits. Raising funds not only goes to research but also to our schools and straight to our children. Together we can make an IMPACT today and I’m very thankful and honored to be able to have a brief voice during this campaign. I will continue to spread awareness from here on out!
Visit http://www2.heart.org/OhioValleyWOI
to learn about this year’s nominees and support the woman of your choice!
