Women play multiple roles in life, that it’s easy to get lost in all the responsibilities. We juggle household and family duties, while simultaneously building a career and trying to keep personal interests.
As a result of this balancing act, we tend to put self-care on the backburner. Over time, this could culminate to stress and burnout.
Here are four simple steps you can take to make self-care part of your routine.
1. Declutter your mind
Practising mindfulness can help you relax the body and mind. Pencil in a weekly (if not daily) check-in with yourself. Take it as your scheduled “me-time” — a chance to finally give yourself unreserved attention. Tuck everything else away to focus on how you’re feeling presently and what you need to recharge.
2. Do things that spark joy
Keeping up with all those responsibilities bogged by external and self-imposed pressure can take a toll on your mental health. So don’t forget to feed your soul, too, and make time for the things you enjoy doing.
Pick up a new hobby or reignite an old one! You know, that thing that gets you excited but you’ve always put off. We’re not saying you have to climb Mount Everest or jump on the sourdough bandwagon — but hey, if that makes you happy, you go girl. Otherwise, there is no shame in the occasional Netflix binge or treating yourself to a 12-step DIY facial.
3. Cut yourself some slack
In these uncertain times, it’s easy to get caught in a pool of negativity or self-doubt. When things don’t go as planned, frustration sets in. It’s all too easy to go hard on ourselves, criticising everything from our undercooked eggs to shoddy paperwork.
“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
– Dolly Parton
Here’s a reminder: be kind to yourself. Breathe. Acknowledge the fact that mistakes happen and that it’s okay. In fact, laugh about it. Besides feeling good (duh), laughter is also genuinely great for your health — it’s proven to lower stress hormones and prevent heart disease.
4. Don’t be shy to ask for help
When life throws you a curveball you can’t handle on your own, don’t be afraid to reach out. Confide in a friend whom you trust and can understand the stresses you deal with. Otherwise, turn to your local support groups or trained professionals. Having someone to speak to will lift a huge weight off your shoulders.
At the end of the day, you don’t have to do this alone. We’re all deserving of support as we navigate through the ups and downs of life together.
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