Denise Leslie Wellness
How to shift from 'Doing Everything' to Being Present: Embracing Self-Care as a Busy Woman
Women are doers, but doing everything can be exhausting.
Women have always played a significant role in shaping history, but all too often, their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is important to acknowledge the difficulties women confront, specifically the expectation to juggle several roles and obligations.
Now more than ever, women face the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities, such as work, family, and household duties. Unfortunately, many of them tend to neglect their well-being in the process. Nevertheless, prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind and being there for loved ones. This article delves into the significance of shifting away from the 'Doing Everything' mentality towards being present by practicing self-care as a busy woman.
The 'Doing Everything' Mentality
There's no denying that most women tend to take on many responsibilities in their lives. From working full-time and caring for their families to managing household chores, it's easy to see why many women need to do everything. However, this 'doing everything' mentality can take a toll on our physical and mental health, leading to exhaustion, burnout, and even depression. To counteract this, we need to shift our mindset towards a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Taking care of yourself should be a priority - not only for your own benefit but also for those around you. Here's why self-care is crucial for busy women:
• Maintaining physical health: It's no secret that physical health is important, yet exercise and healthy eating often take a backseat when life gets busy. However, neglecting these aspects of our health can have disastrous consequences. Lack of exercise and poor nutrition can lead to weight gain, chronic health conditions, and reduced energy levels - none of which are conducive to maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
• Enhancing mental health and well-being: In addition to physical health, mental health is equally important. Taking care of your mental state directly impacts your well-being and productivity. Women who prioritize their mental health can better manage stress and have improved emotional balance.
• Being more productive and effective in all areas of life: Self-care isn't just about taking care of yourself for the sake of it. It has real and tangible effects on your productivity and effectiveness in all areas of life. When you take the time to prioritize your physical and mental health, you'll find that you have more energy, are better able to focus, and have a greater overall sense of well-being. This can translate into being more productive at work, having better relationships with loved ones, and feeling more fulfilled in general.
Tips for practicing self-care as a busy woman:
Between work, family, and social responsibilities, finding the time for self-care can be difficult for women. However, it's crucial that we make this a priority in our lives. Here are some tips to help you practice self-care as a busy woman:
1. Schedule time for exercise: Rather than trying to fit exercise into your already packed schedule, prioritize it by scheduling it. Set aside specific times during the week for exercise, whether it's a morning yoga session or a post-work gym session. This not only takes the guesswork out of when you'll exercise but also makes it more likely that you'll actually do it because you've made the commitment.
2 Embrace self-care as a necessary and valuable part of life: Adopt a new perspective towards self-care as an essential element of our daily existence. Recognize its significance and worth, acknowledging the need to prioritize our physical and mental well-being alongside our work and commitments. Do not view self-care as an indulgence, but rather as a necessity that deserves attention regularly. This shift in attitude will facilitate incorporating self-care into our regular routine without difficulty.
3. Practice mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness and meditation are great ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine can help you relax, focus better, and reduce emotional reactivity. It doesn't have to take much time - even a few minutes of deep breathing and focusing on the present moment can make a big difference to your overall well-being.
4. Practice gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can help shift your mood and mindset toward a more positive outlook. Write down three things you're grateful for each day, or simply take a moment to think about them. It can be anything from the warmth of the sun on your skin to the love and support of your family and friends. Practicing gratitude can profoundly impact your mental health and overall well-being.
5. Engage in Meditation: An essential technique to combat stress and foster a feeling of tranquility and serenity is meditation. With this practice, one concentrates their thoughts on a particular object or concept while observing their thoughts and emotions without criticism. There are several forms of meditation, comprising mindfulness meditation, yoga, and transcendental meditation, among others. Select the type that resonates with you and include it in your everyday regimen. Even a few minutes of meditation each day can noticeably enhance your emotional well-being.
6. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for your health and well-being. Not getting enough sleep can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and with difficulty concentrating. It can even lead to physical health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Establish a consistent sleep routine. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, including on weekends. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and create a relaxing sleep environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
7. Ask for help: It's important to recognize that we can't do everything independently, which is completely okay. Sometimes we need help, whether it's with a difficult task or managing our mental health. Asking for help when we need it is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reach out to friends, family members, or a professional if you're struggling. Don't be afraid to ask for help and support when you need it most.
Paying attention to our mental and physical health is essential to creating routines, taking care of our bodies and minds, and asking for help when needed. We can improve the quality of our lives and prevent burnout with the right planning and care. By following these tips, you will be on your way to having a healthier and more productive lifestyle.New Paragraph
Denise Leslie
About
Founder & CEO of Medical & Sports Massage
Certified yoga instructor | Dynamic speaker
Denise Leslie is the founder and CEO of Medical Sports & Massage. In 2010 the vision to create a space for facilitating wellness through massage therapy was born. By 2012, that vision was brought to life as Denise found the strength within to open Medical & Sports Massage in the Atlanta community.
In addition to a thriving business, in 2018, Denise partnered with East Georgia Cancer Coalition to offer oncology massage, what has become known as Hands to Heal. Along with her team of therapists, this not-for-profit program uses lymphatic drainage to helpthe body withstand cancer treatment and massage therapy to alleviate the triangle of stress in the mind, body, and spirit. Together, these treatments facilitate underinsured, uninsured, or financially constrained patients and survivors in the fight for their lives.
Denise pours her heart and soul into clinical massage. and often write about sport related topics. Denise hosts several events throughout
the year to support other small businesses and maintains. Denise offer corporate wellness programs for companlies that seeking to improve productivity and overall wellness of their employees.
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