Women often feel immense pressure while juggling the daily responsibilities of being an employee, a mother, a wife, a friend or a daughter. It’s important that they take care of themselves amidst the craziness of everyday life.
Focus on You
There are many ways women can prioritize their mental health; learning that self-care is a necessity is the first step. Self-care can be any activity that strengthens you mentally, physically, emotionally, intellectually or spiritually. In order to make time for self-care, you have to set healthy boundaries and know that you do not always have to say “yes,” especially when you’re feeling drained. Although it may seem hard, creating boundaries sets a clear guideline for how much you are willing to handle before needing time for yourself. One way to set healthy boundaries is to plan around yourself. Schedule time for yourself first and for others second, creating a well-balanced lifestyle.
What Affects Women’s Mental Health?
Around one in five women live with depression or anxiety. There are many reasons these two conditions develop, but they are more common in women because women often carry the weight of being caretakers. This kind of responsibility can lead to stress, anxiety and isolation. Furthermore, women may internalize feelings that can lead to depression and self-harm, different from men who may act out their feelings through disruptive behaviors. Hormonal imbalances or changes like menopause or perinatal depression may also affect women’s mental health and wellbeing. As you navigate everyday life, it’s important to understand that seeking help and focusing on self-care is not taboo. What matters most is acknowledging when you need to seek help and taking time to focus on yourself. Without taking care of yourself, how will you be able to take care of others?
Next Steps
In order to improve your mental wellbeing, set self-care goals. One way to efficiently set a goal is by using the SMART approach. SMART is an acronym for making specific, measurable, action-oriented, relevant and timely goals. SMART goals can help you achieve meaningful steps toward your self-care aspirations.
Give yourself some stand-out resolutions and goals by accomplishing a self-care activity every month or few weeks. Have no fear, a list is here to get you started and give you an opportunity to personalize each self-care activity that interests you.
- Start a gratitude journal
- Decorate your workspace
- Spring clean
- Take a hike
- Hydrate your body
- Call a loved one
- Practice meditation and mindfulness
- Catch some z’s
- Cook yourself a nice meal
- Plan a date night for one
- Practice breathing exercises
- Read your Bible
- Listen to a meaningful podcast
- Read a new book
- Do affirmations in the morning
- Take a pilates or exercise class
- Unplug from technology
- Make a bucket list
- List what you’re grateful for
- Volunteer around your community
- Take an Epsom salt bath
- Snuggle up and watch a movie
- Try new essential oils
- Do something creative
- Get your nails done
- Spend some time in the sun
- Workout with your friends
- Create a vision board
- Prioritize napping
- Try coloring books
- Take up a new skill
- Switch up your routine
- Buy yourself flowers
- Do something that makes you laugh
- Stretch to relieve tension
- Spend time with someone who inspires you
- Make a self-care kit
- Bake a sweet treat
- Plant some greenery
- Sleep in on the weekends
Sources: Perimeter Healthcare, Harmony Bay Wellness, Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses, Mental Health Foundation UK, Zencare, University of Toledo
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