When it comes to the question of priorities, self-care is something that rarely gets counted on the list, especially when it comes to women. In a world where the idea of sacrifice is often glorified for women, the idea of self-care for women may seem a big deal for women.
Self-care, in a holistic sense, means taking care of one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In your busy schedule, taking time for self-care includes engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
For women, their lives keep getting circled around things, from managing their family and their social life while juggling to building their careers simultaneously. Women today have been increasingly moving beyond households and embracing significant roles in workplaces. While women might have flourishing careers with increased financial independence, they are still expected to fulfill their traditional roles at home.
As per the traditional upbringing, women are often taught to put others’ needs before their own. Whether it’s their role as a mother, partner, daughter, or working professional, they are ingrained to put others’ needs before their own. This persistent focus on caring for others, however, often places women in a disadvantaged state, leading them to situations of burnout, stress, and even long-term health issues. This is when the concept of self-care comes into play.
For women, incorporating self-care practices into their busy schedules is important to ensure that their holistic well-being remains on track without the burden of stress and health issues.
In this blog, we will explore why self-care is important for women and why they should prioritize it without guilt or shame. Self-care isn't a luxury but a necessity for women to maintain their well-being and balance their responsibilities.
The Pressure to Be Everything to Everyone
For ages, women have been ingrained with the conditioning where their role is mostly restricted to that of a caregiver, nurturer, and multitasker. Women, right from a young age, are taught to prioritize the needs of others, often ignoring their well-being. The role of women as caregivers is something that is highly boasted and praised, making it challenging for women to think their roles beyond just being a caregiver.
When we look at the representation of women in Indian cinema, that in itself is difficult in terms of a restricted arena where women are often relegated. Women in such representations are often seen as fulfilling their household responsibilities, where they, ignoring their wishes and needs, continue to take care of others in a selfless manner.
Such roles for women build their idealistic image and their role as a caretakers. Such portrayals and narratives normalize women’s role as nurturers, pushing the question of self-care beyond their horizons. It makes it difficult for women to think about self-care, leading to feelings of guilt and shame if they think of prioritizing their own well-being.
However, as the popular saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Neglecting self-care and only prioritizing the needs of others have serious consequences on their well-being. The severe consequences of not prioritizing one’s self-care can push women into a situation where they have to experience stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion in the long run. It might be the case that women who don’t take care of their own needs may go through physical health issues, which can diminish their ability to take care of anyone.
Understanding the Myths About Self-Care
Self-care as selfish: Women who have been conditioned deeply with their roles as caregivers often find self-care to be selfish. Society and Indian culture boast the sacrificial role of women, where they take others’ needs as a priority over theirs. However, neglecting one’s needs altogether can result in stress and burnout.
Self-care as a luxury: Self-care is often perceived wrongly by associating it with expensive spa days or luxury retreats. However, self-care is about all the activities that bring you relaxation and joy in your busy schedule.
Work-life balance fallacy: Women are often expected to fulfill every role-whether as a mother, partner, or professional, perfectly. They are burdened with unrealistic expectations to fulfill their role without taking time for themselves.
The Importance of Self-Care for Women
The idea that self-care and prioritizing oneself is selfish has been deeply ingrained in women. However, it is important to understand that Self-care is not about neglecting others. It is about making sure that you do not neglect your needs when fulfulling your responsibilities. When women undestand the impotance of self-care and incorporate self-care practices in their lives, they set an important example for those around them.
Physical health benefits:
Stress and burnout due to neglecting self-care might affect the physical health of an individual by resulting in frequent headaches, fatigue, or weakened immune systems. Taking time to practice self-care can result in better sleep, lower stress levels, and improved immunity, and it helps women reduce long-term physical health issues.
Emotional well-being:
Women who neglect their own well-being are vulnerable to anxiety and stress, having a severe impact on their emotional well-being. Taking time for self-care- whether by doing an activity that you enjoy or simply resting, can have positive results for your emotional well-being.
Relationship benefits:
In order to take care of others, it is important that you take care of your needs. Women who prioritize their well-being are better equipped to nurture their relationships with people around them. Caring for themselves helps women build healthier and authentic relationships and be present for their loved ones.
Practical Strategies for Prioritizing Self-Care
While it is important to understand the importance of self-care, it is equally significant to know that self-care is not about any luxury investment in grand activities. Small yet consistent efforts can have a great impact on one’s well-being in the long run.
Following are certain practical tips you can incorporate into your schedule to prioritize your self-care routine:
Start Small
When thinking about building a self-care schedule, remember that you don’t have to rebuild your entire routine. You can begin by starting small, like taking 10-15 minutes for an activity that feels like fun to you.
Set Boundaries
For women, an important part of practicing self-care involves setting healthy boundaries. Learning to say ‘No’ to things that drain your energy is an act that allows you to invest in things that really matter to you.
Pursue Hobbies
In your busy schedule, take time for activities that bring joy and relaxation to you. Whether reading a book, writing, or painting, make sure to have some space for your creative endeavors.
Practice Mindfulness
Engaging in mindfulness activities like meditation or journaling not only helps manage stress but also results in better emotional regulation.
Prioritize Sleep
Create a sleeping routine to ensure that you are getting enough rest to function well mentally as well as physically.
Nourish Your Body
Take care of your body by nourishing it with a well-balanced diet to improve overall energy levels and health.
Remember that self-care is not anything selfish, particularly in the case of women. Women need to understand that while taking care of others might be important, neglecting one’s needs altogether is not healthy for them in the long run. Overcoming feelings of guilt and shame, it is important for women to embrace the idea that self-care is not only essential but also rewarding for their emotional, physical as well as mental well-being.
Solh understands. We offer a variety of features to help you invest in self-care.
Journaling for Self-Reflection: Sometimes, being unable to care for yourself can come from a lack of self-understanding. Solh's journaling feature allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe space. By reflecting on your experiences and desires, you can clarify what stops you from self-care.
Anonymous Support Groups: You are not alone. Solh's anonymous support groups connect you with others who understand the struggle. Share your experiences, find comfort in solidarity, and discover new perspectives on overcoming the hurdle to indulge in self-care.
Solh Buddy: Feeling lost or disconnected? Your Solh Buddy, a personalized virtual companion, is here to provide encouragement and support. It can offer prompts, celebrate your victories, and remind you of your strengths as you navigate the journey toward self-care.
Talk now: Sometimes, self-care can make you feel overwhelmed. Solh's Talk Now feature gives you access to dedicated counselors who can help you navigate such situations.
Solh believes in a unique approach to introducing self-care. We empower you to take charge of your well-being by offering a variety of tools. Explore Solh today and discover the power of self-reflection, connection, and support in overcoming any problem of the mind. You are not alone on this path.
