You've heard the term "They've got a lot on their plate."
As women (and for some, mothers), our plates often pile up to precarious heights. We're left sweating, waiting for the thing that'll bring it all crashing down.
Unfortunately, this kind of balancing act is not only common for women, but sometimes expected. However, you don't have to resign yourself to this stressful lifestyle, constantly trying to manage more and more until it seems impossible to keep up.
Instead, you can find balance and lessen your stress for a healthier mental state and more peaceful life. Here's where to start.
Set Boundaries
When you're known to take on a lot seemingly without breaking a sweat, it becomes easier for others to overstep your boundaries. After all, you make it look easy, so you can do more, right?
Wrong. Even superwoman needs boundaries. Without boundaries, you may find your values being compromised or that you feel personally responsible for others' personal problems. You might see boundary issues in situations like:
Friends or family constantly asking for money without paying it back.
Coworkers or bosses expecting you to respond to emails after hours.
Coworkers who make inappropriate comments.
Friends or family asking for favors without reciprocating when you need help, too.
Family members who cannot accept your life choices.
Recognize your limits and start creating healthy boundaries around them. Here are some examples of how you can do that:
Avoid responding to work emails or IMs after hours.
Create a routine as you switch into personal time: change clothes, go for a walk, etc.
Say no to favors when you are busy or feel drained.
Confront flirtatious coworkers and ask them to stop, or report them to HR.
Express your feelings about family criticizing your life choices and state that it is not up for conversation.
With boundaries in place, you'll notice a weight lifted and you'll feel like you can relax and enjoy life more.
Prioritize You
When you get in the habit of doing a herculean amount of work, it's easy for self-care to take the back burner. However, self care is extremely important, especially when you're feeling stressed.
Remember, self care is not selfish. In fact, it goes a long way in boosting your mood.
Self care looks different for everyone and it doesn't have to involve going to a fancy spa and getting a Swedish massage (unless that's your prerogative!). Self care can also be:
Taking time to exercise and move your body in a way that feels good to you.
Getting a good amount of sleep.
Trying relaxation activities like meditation or journaling.
Finding emotional support in a trusted source.
Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated.
"But where will I find the time?" Once you have your boundaries in place, you'll be surprised to see how much free time opens up for you to spend time doing things that make you feel good.
Ask for Help
It's only human to need help sometimes. No one is perfect and we all have our limits. People who care about you won't find it an imposition and will be happy to help out. There is no shame in needing support!
This can look like:
Asking your partner or roommate for help around the house.
Asking family for help with childcare.
Asking for help with grocery shopping.
Asking teammates to help with a big work project.
Seeing a therapist to help you manage your stress.
Everyone has their own weight to pull, and asking for assistance isn't a bad thing.
In addition to asking people for help with mundane things like chores, seeing a counselor or licensed therapist can help you cultivate the necessary tools to help you create those boundaries, learn how to make time for yourself without guilt, learn to ask for help, and overall cope with stress.
Ready to take control and find balance for this and other women's issues? Reach out today to set up your first appointment!
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