In a world where strength is often synonymous with resilience and unwavering determination, it’s easy to overlook the fact that even the strongest of women need and deserve self-care for their mental health.
Society has cultivated an image of unshakable, invincible women who can handle anything thrown their way. But the truth is far from this idealized stereotype. Behind every strong woman lies a complex human being facing her battles, struggles, and emotional turmoil.
Self-care is a holistic approach that entails caring for your mind, body, and soul by incorporating healthy habits.
Today, you’re going to learn about some healthy self-care tips for strong women!
Self-care definition by WHO
According to WHO, self-care means the ability of people, families, and communities to take care of their health. This includes staying healthy, avoiding diseases, and dealing with illness or disability, whether or not a doctor is involved.
Why is self-care for women so important?
When someone talks about “self-care for women,” most people think of expensive branded cosmetic products and eating an unaffordable diet. Social media has portrayed self-care as a luxury reserved for women who can afford to take time for themselves. But this isn’t always the case. Women of all income levels deserve self-care, no matter what society thinks. Here are five reasons why you need self-care:
- Women’s brains are more sensitive than men’s and need more recovery time after stress.
- Women experience hormonal changes throughout their lives that can affect their moods and energy levels.
- Women are often the primary caregivers for family members and often have less time for themselves than men do.
- Women face higher rates of chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions than men.
- Taking care of oneself is important not only for our mental health but also for our physical health. When we’re healthy, both our minds and bodies can work at their best.
Here are 10 self-care tips for strong women
Women are more likely to prioritize their relationships over their mental health. This often leads to women feeling guilty or uncomfortable seeking self-care. Recent research has shown that women who care for themselves physically and emotionally are more likely to have healthy relationships with their family and friends.
Here are 10 self-care tips for women:
- Eat a healthy diet. Try to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Make an exercise routine. Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Exercise keeps you fit and releases endorphins, boosting your mood.
- Prioritize your sleep. Try to sleep at least 7 to 8 hours at night. Do not ruin your health while rushing for work and house chores.
- Start managing your stress levels. Do you know that hairfall you’re experiencing, those sleepless nights you’re having, and the reason why your eating habits are so unhealthy? It’s all because you’re not managing your stress. Try practicing yoga or any meditation technique to feel calmer and relaxed.
- Set boundaries. How often have you said “yes” to the things you wanted to say no? Well, it’s time to set clear-cut boundaries for yourself. Figure out what activities make you happy and stick to those goals.
- Talk about your feelings with a trusted friend or family member. It can be difficult talking about how you’re feeling, but getting validated by someone who knows you well is important. Talking can help relieve stress and anxiety and boost your moods.
- Take time for yourself every day. Make sure you carve out time for yourself every day in your schedule. You can take a relaxing bath, read a book, paint, dance, or do anything you love. This will help you stay healthy mentally and emotionally as well!
- Practice daily mindfulness techniques. If you practice mindfulness regularly, you can better regulate your emotions and thoughts.
- Treat yourself with kindness and self-compassion. Avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk. Be kind to yourself. This rejuvenates your spirit.
- Set achievable goals. Aim for goals that align with your values and desires. Working towards these goals can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Conclusion
It can be hard to break through the social programming we are constantly bombarded with. We are told that being strong is what makes us valuable and beautiful and that our worth lies in our ability to handle tough challenges. Unfortunately, this mentality often tears women down instead of helping them thrive.
Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel – mental health and self-care for women, which is often pushed aside to achieve goals like career success.
Remember, you can be the CEO, a wife, and a mother simultaneously. All you need is to believe in yourself and prioritize yourself, too.