To achieve physical and emotional health, take time to rest

The #KotexRiseUp camp was organised for customers and contest winners. — Photos: Kotex

OLYMPIAN and gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi may be a decorated athlete known for her grace in the sport, but she says what she has achieved is as much about training as it is about rest.

A disciplined lifestyle is necessary to look after the body and mind, but that doesn’t mean putting an emphasis only on training.

As an athlete, she adds, quality sleep is very important because it is during sleep that our bodies recover from injuries. “Beyond the standard eight to 10 hours’ of sleep, I even schedule naps in-between school and training,” she says.

Medical doctor and social media personality Dr Shazril Shaharuddin adds that sleep strengthens the immune system and restores energy levels.

“Getting good sleep also helps in regulating mood and emotional stability. When we are well rested, we cope with stress more effectively and maintain mental clarity,” he says.

“On the contrary, insufficient or disrupted sleep contributes to depression or anxiety and can worsen existing mental conditions.”

Both Farah Ann and Dr Shazril were panellists at a forum in a two-day empowerment camp held by feminine hygiene brand Kotex. Themed #KotexRiseUp, the camp, organised for its customers and contest winners, hoped to instil confidence and inspire participants to reach their potential.

Period issues

When it comes to sports and menstruation, Farah Ann says she is very fortunate to be in a supportive environment made up of fellow gymnasts and coaches.

“We would share pads and look out for one another in case we had leakage. It was not difficult for me at all, but sadly this is not the case for some women in Malaysia who still struggle with shame when talking about periods or asking for a pad.

“That is why speaking out on this issue is important, to encourage other women to rise up and end period stigma.”

Dr Shazril says periods are part of a woman’s reproductive health and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

He also said that he understood the ‘shame’ surrounding it, because he only “learned more about it much later in medical school”.

“I think one way to address period stigma is by exposing boys to the topic at a younger age. We can also teach them how to treat women with respect that way,” he says.

Dr Shazril says menstruation causes hormonal changes and this affects every woman differently.

“So it is important to know your body and push yourself according to your body’s ability. Exercising regularly, having a balanced diet, getting sufficient rest and trying to reduce stress through breathing exercises may help in managing periods and premenstrual symptoms,” he says.