Five Everyday Habits Your Pelvic Floor Will Love

August is National Wellness Month - it's the perfect time to take stock of the everyday habits that help you feel your best. While wellness often brings to mind healthy eating or exercise, don't overlook an important part of your body that's involved in nearly everything you do: your pelvic floor. These muscles play a vital role in bladder and bowel control, core stability, sexual function, and supporting your pelvic organs. The good news? A few simple daily habits can go a long way toward keeping your pelvic floor healthy.

1. Keep Moving
Regular movement improves circulation, supports healthy bowel function, and helps keep your muscles—including your pelvic floor—working well together. Whether it's a daily walk, strength training, yoga, or cycling, aim to move your body most days of the week.

2. Don't Hold Your Breath
Many of us unknowingly hold our breath when lifting, exercising, or even standing up from a chair. Instead, try exhaling during the effort. Coordinating your breath with movement helps manage pressure in your abdomen and can reduce unnecessary strain on your pelvic floor.

3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking less water doesn't prevent bladder leaks—in fact, it can make your bladder more irritated. Staying well hydrated also helps keep stools soft, making bowel movements easier and reducing the need to strain.

4. Don't Overdo the Kegels: More pelvic floor squeezing isn't always better. These muscles need to be able to contract and fully relax. And if symptoms aren’t improving…see a pelvic PT to help figure out the best solution.

5. Make Time to Relax
Stress doesn't just affect your mind—it can also increase tension throughout your body, including your pelvic floor. Taking a few minutes each day for slow, deep breathing, stretching, or another relaxing activity can help your muscles let go of unnecessary tension.

Wellness isn't about being perfect—it's about making small, sustainable choices that support your health over time. If you're dealing with leaking, constipation, pelvic pain, or other persistent symptoms, pelvic floor physical therapy can help you identify the underlying cause and get you back to doing the things you love with confidence.