All of us experience various stressors in our lives. With so much pressure on everyone to make a living, take care of their family, and still find a little time for themselves, it’s no surprise that so many individuals struggle with anxiety and depression from time to time.

Women, especially, are more prone to experiencing more debilitating forms of depression and can also suffer other forms of mental stress due to distinct psychological and physiological characteristics. Left unchecked, this can make it difficult to enjoy all the things that life has to offer.

One of the most effective ways women can start to bring more balance into their lives is by finding ways to reset and strengthen the mind and body. Self-care routines are a great way to do this.

Breaking Down the Stigma of Self-Care

While we don’t have to like the fact that we still live in a biased and unfair society, it’s okay to at least acknowledge the reality we’re in. Unfortunately, there are many different societal expectations placed on women that can make it difficult to take the time to focus on your own physical and mental well-being.

Many women have a natural tendency to want to take care of others first. Although this is certainly commendable, forgetting about your own needs can and does quickly lead to burnout. When this happens, the resulting physical and emotional exhaustion can actually start impacting your health. It drains your energy, increases irritability, and can have a negative impact on your cognitive thinking, making it harder to focus throughout the day.

This is where self-care can be a literal life-saver. Unlike the stigmas that have been placed around the concept, self-care should never be dismissed as a time waster or just an excuse to procrastinate. By practicing self-care regularly, you’re able to give yourself the time and space to fully recover from daily stress and continue to function at your best.

It’s important to never view self-care as a “selfish” act. In fact, it’s actually the exact opposite. By investing in your physical and mental health, you’re actually able to get more accomplished in life. This applies to taking care of certain family responsibilities and supporting your career goals.

Forms of Self-Care

Regardless of how you’re feeling, there is no start or end point when it comes to self-care routines. They should be something as natural as remembering to eat a meal every day. However, not all self-care routines are as necessary for some individuals as they are for others. The important thing to remember is that you should take the time to understand your own needs and find what helps you feel your best. 

There are a variety of different ways to practice self-care, but here are some common areas that you can focus on:

• Physical: Your body needs rest and care to function properly. This means taking the time to plan healthier meals, getting regular exercise, and ensuring that you give yourself enough time for adequate sleep.
• Emotional: We all experience emotions differently. Taking care of your emotional well-being might involve setting healthy boundaries, talking to a therapist, or expressing your feelings through journaling.
• Mental: Your mind is a powerful tool. To keep it sharp and positive, try practicing mindfulness, meditation, and challenging negative thoughts.
• Social: Humans are social creatures. Nurturing meaningful connections with friends, family, colleagues, and your community is a vital part of self-care.
• Spiritual: For many, spirituality provides a sense of purpose and peace. Connecting with your spiritual side can be a valuable form of self-care.

Different Ways to Start Prioritizing Your Self-Care

The great thing about self-care is that there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to following certain routines that are right for you. Although there is no right or wrong way to practice self-care, the main objective should be to maintain a consistent schedule.

Below are some common ways you can start making self-care a higher priority in your life:

Take Baby Steps

If you’ve never incorporated self-care routines into your daily schedules, it can be a bit intimidating to start. However, you shouldn’t let this discourage you from starting things simple.

Self-care doesn’t need to be a chore, but no different than eating meals or getting exercise, it's important to make sure you’re committing to some form of routine. Starting small is a great way to start. Even just dedicating 5-10 minutes a day to self-care activities can have a significant and lasting impact on your well-being.

Practice Consistency

To really benefit from self-care, it’s important to establish a regular routine. Just like scheduling important appointments or other daily tasks, the goal is to make self-care a regular habit that you don’t even have to think about.

Treat these moments with the same level of importance and dedicate specific time slots in your calendar to fully engage in the activities you enjoy.

Give Self-Care Priority in Your Life

It’s important to shift your perspective when it comes to self-care. Instead of seeing it as an occasional need, like a repair tool you only use when something is broken, you should integrate it into both your personal and professional life.

Self-care should be viewed with the same level of importance as other important needs in our lives. This change in thinking may take time to develop, but prioritizing self-care can significantly improve your overall health and well-being in the long run.

Don’t Be Ashamed to Ask for Help

Many people think the concept of “self-care” means that your routines should only involve yourself. However, self-care isn’t something that has to be done alone. Sometimes, reaching out to friends and family can be key to getting the most out of your self-care routine.

Additionally, working with a therapist or other wellness professional can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide guidance and support, helping you develop and maintain effective self-care practices. Remember, asking for assistance is a sign of strength, and it can significantly improve your self-care journey.

Start Healing Your Mind and Your Body

Self-care is essential for supporting both your mental and physical health. It’s not just a one-time fix when things get tough, however. Instead, it should be an ongoing practice that empowers you to live a more balanced and resilient life.

The bottom line is that integrating self-care routines into your daily schedule can lead to a happier and healthier you. By prioritizing your well-being, you’ll not only make improvements in your own life but also be more present and supportive of those around you.

Written by Dr. Hannah Yang

 

About the Author

Visionary and healthcare entrepreneur by passion, Licensed Psychologist by training, Dr. Hannah Yang loves creating new possibilities in the world of mental health and wellness. Dr. Yang established Balanced Awakening in 2015 as a niche psychotherapy practice for women. As Balanced Awakening flourishes in Chicago, and soon Miami, she also loves to tap into her passion for design and Feng Shui to create fabulous environments for herself, her team, and clients.

 

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