Today, women and girls often have busy lives with many responsibilities. Managing school, family, work, and friendships can be tiring and overwhelming. The Abide women’s health approach focuses on helping girls and women stay strong, happy, and healthy by caring for their mind, body, and spirit. This method, inspired by leaders like Beverly Claiborne, encourages taking small steps every day to improve health, helping young women live more balanced and fulfilling lives.

What Is Holistic Health?

Holistic health means looking at every part of yourself—your mind, body, and feelings—not just focusing on if you’re sick or tired. The Abide approach believes that true health means feeling good in every area of your life. It’s about finding inner peace, strength, and balance.

In this approach, being healthy isn’t about following strict rules or diets. It’s about building good habits that help you feel your best each day. These small, healthy habits add up over time and can make a big difference as you grow older.

Self-Compassion and Mindfulness: Be Kind to Yourself

The Abide approach values self-compassion, which means being kind to yourself. Many young women feel pressure to be “perfect” in school, sports, or friendships, but no one is perfect—and that’s okay. Practicing self-compassion helps you accept your flaws, embrace your strengths, and remember your own worth.

Mindfulness is another important part of the Abide philosophy. Mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening right now. Taking a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, write in a journal, or go for a walk without any distractions can help you feel calmer and more focused. These small actions help you handle stress in a healthy way, which gives you a peaceful mind.

Nourish Your Body: Healthy Food and Fun Movement

Taking care of your physical health is another key part of the Abide approach. It’s important to nourish your body with healthy foods, regular exercise, and enough rest. This doesn’t mean following strict diets or intense workouts. Instead, it’s about finding balance. Listen to your body and make choices that give you energy and make you feel good.

For example, eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains gives you the nutrients you need to grow strong and stay active. Physical activity is also important, but it doesn’t have to be boring or hard. Find something you enjoy, like dancing, swimming, hiking, or yoga. Exercise is about feeling good and having fun, not just about staying in shape.

The Importance of a Supportive Community

One of the best parts of the Abide approach is connecting with others. Women and girls benefit from having a community—a group of friends or family members they can talk to, lean on, and feel supported by. Having a community gives you strength, especially during tough times. Sometimes, joining a supportive group can be a big help. Whether it’s a club at school, a sports team, or a local group focused on wellness, being part of a community can make your journey to good health easier and more enjoyable. When you’re surrounded by positive people who encourage you, it’s easier to stay motivated and work toward your health goals.

Rise Above Challenges and Live with Confidence

The Abide approach, encouraged by inspiring people like Beverly Claiborne, believes that women and girls can rise above any challenge. Life will always have ups and downs, but by prioritizing your health and building strong habits, you can face those challenges with confidence. By focusing on self-care, positive relationships, and healthy habits, young women can thrive no matter what comes their way.

When you put your health first, you’re not only helping yourself—you’re also building the strength to help others around you. The Abide approach teaches that taking care of your mind, body, and spirit is the best way to live a joyful, fulfilling life. By choosing to focus on your health and happiness, you’re setting yourself up for a brighter, healthier future.