Have you heard of the notion of a Modern-Day Superwoman?
Maybe this describes you, and you are suffering the fallout effects?
Let’s set the scene……
You start the day, waking up feeling unrefreshed. Get the kids up and get your family ready and kids dressed. You grab a coffee and ..maybe… a piece of toast (that you eat on the run), as you get the kids’ lunches prepared.
While hurrying the kids up to clean their teeth, you multi-task and read some emails on the way out the door. Next, you get in the car, drive the kids to school, and then go to work…..
When you get to work, there is a myriad of emails, phone calls, work deadlines, and demands. In addition, you find yourself cramming everything into a shorter day because you have to pick up the kids in the afternoon and then chauffeur the kids to after-school activities.
When you finally get home, the kids need help with their homework. You then prep and cook dinner, tidy up after dinner, and feel exhausted……..
After dinner, you might grab a wine to help you unwind while you tidy the kitchen, put some washing on, clean the floor, get the kids ready for bed, and check social media to see what’s been going on.
And then you fall into bed….. feeling exhausted…… feeling tired…… wiped out with an endless to-do list for tomorrow. Tomorrow’s tasks are already flying around in your head as you try to sleep.
You feel like you just are not stopping, and it’s Groundhog day. Then, the next day, you wake to feel unrefreshed again.
Do you feel this way?
I don’t know about you, but reading that scenario makes me feel exhausted. And yet, so many women have experienced this in their lives (myself included).
Do you ask yourself, ‘Why can’t I keep up like other women? Why can’t I do the same intensity?
From the outside looking in, it might look as though the Super-woman has it all under control. They are a superwoman, juggling everything with ease. But on the inside, the Super-woman feels exhausted, tired and overwhelmed. Many modern-day women hold a smile on their face while struggling to keep going for their kids and family………
Welcome to the era of the modern-day Superwoman.
Where we try to be the best we can be for everyone around us. We now have a myriad of roles beyond what previous generations held. These numerous roles can create constant stress to juggle continually.
The constant stress can lead to digestive problems, hormonal imbalance eg PMS, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, moodiness and anxiety, to name a few…….
But lovely, I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.
You may be feeling these symptoms, and your typical day might follow the scenario above (I know many of my clients do). If you resonate with this scenario and feel like you’re living a Groundhog day, constantly pushing yourself, being the Superwoman. I’m here to tell you…It doesn’t have to be like this.
There is a way you can stop the cycle!
The first step is to become aware. Analyse your current typical day and be mindful of where you are at the moment.
The second step is to change your mindset. You don’t have to be the Superwoman. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be in control, and you can ask for help.
After that, the third step is all about taking little steps forward and an action plan.
Now, this is where I work with my clients — guiding the next steps, including creating a healthy eating program. Healthy eating does not have to be overwhelming and time-consuming in the kitchen. Simple steps that centre around a variety of salads, fruits and vegetables for optimal nutrition. It doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant!
Next, look at physical activity. Create times of movement, activity and exercise but make it fun! You don’t need to slog it out at the gym if you don’t enjoy that. Instead, find what it is that you love to do!
You may enjoy dancing, going for a walk on the beach, kicking a footie with your kids…….. anything that gets you moving and active that you enjoy and have fun with.
The steps towards being a Full of Life Woman can be fun!
It is important that the Modern-day Superwoman takes time for themselves. Many mums put themselves last, constantly rushing all day. Having time for yourself to ‘stop and smell the roses’ helps the body repair and regenerate. Creating time and space for you to do something (or nothing) that you love to do without guilt!
This time may include reading your favourite book, or spending some time with some quality friends, simply sitting down and putting your feet up, having a bubble bath……..whatever it is that you like to do that can help you stop rushing and the pressure of the day.
The next important matter is to become aware of your stress triggers. Once identified, you can create a plan or action to minimise or avoid to help you reduce the stress cycle.
The last one is to take steps to create good quality sleep. Pre-bedtime routines that support the sleep cycle can help support waking feeling refreshed.
These steps can help reduce overwhelm and stress
and support energy, vitality and clarity.
It’s okay to say that you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s okay to say that you’re not coping, and it’s okay to ask for help.
You may just find that other women are experiencing modern-day superwoman issues just like you! So you’ll know that you’re not alone.
Let’s band together, be our own Superwoman but within our own boundaries, without the need to constantly push ourselves through the day. Instead, live with ease, vitality, energised and calm.
Join our community!
I look forward to hearing how you are managing your superwoman role and look forward to being able to help you take control of your life.
