reading time approx. 3 minutes
Nowadays, it is not uncommon for women to carry many “burdens” on their shoulders within their families.
The modern woman is not only a wife, mother, homemaker but also a working professional. Has the role of women changed within the family in recent years? Has the “long-awaited” (?) gender equality; arrived? Or perhaps in the transition towards equality, women took on more responsibilities rather than sharing them out?;
Often cast in the caregiving role for their families, women tend to put the needs of others before their own. With so many responsibilities, women often fail to make time for themselves, and their overall wellbeing can be compromised. It is vital, in such cases, that women give themselves the time and care they need.
What can I do in such a demanding daily routine?;
1. Look after yourself
Everyone has a unique way of feeling loved and cared for. For example, they might feel cared for by hearing sweet, kind words, by a caress, by a surprise, etc. Therefore, the first step is to recognise your needs:
How do I feel cared for? What needs to happen for me to feel looked after?;
2. Seek help from others
Accept help from others and seek it out among friends and family. Recognise ways in which your family can help you with specific needs that must be addressed, such as cooking, cleaning, etc.
Who can help me with everything I have to do today?;
Who can I trust?;
Who can't I trust? Is it perhaps time to give them a chance?;
Please note: all of the above does not mean that I ignore the needs of those around me. In a relationship, both sides are heard and feel understood, and a mutual effort is made for each to offer to the other.
The following exercises will help with the mutual effort for each to offer to the other.
Article: What can Native Americans teach us about communication?;
Article: A wonderful exercise to learn how to understand our loved ones!
3. Identify how you cope with stress
Some people manage stress by engaging in unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking, drinking, overeating, etc.
Remember that stress is inevitable. What makes the biggest difference is how we manage it.
What enjoyable activities can I use to manage stress?;
Think about the fact that there is no such thing as the perfect parent, the perfect wife, or the flawless homemaker; we all learn from our ineffective behaviours every day and improve. Nobody was taught the subject “how to be a parent” at school! (although I consider it one of the most essential…)
4. Organise your time, article:
Time management for the home and business (a 4-step exercise)
5. Seek professional help if:
• your stress has escalated and is affecting your daily life
• your sleep has now been disrupted (you are sleeping too much or suffering from insomnia)
• your body weight has dropped suddenly of late
• you feel that your relationship with your partner has reached a dead end
• you frequently feel intense sadness
• you find it difficult to concentrate
• your enjoyment levels in everyday life are very low
Therapeutic work on oneself reveals the deeper causes of unpleasant emotions and guides towards their relief and, consequently, a more enjoyable daily life.