As a busy professional woman and mother in leadership, it's easy to put yourself last on the priority list. Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, you're left with little time for self-care. But what if I were to tell you that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity? What if I told you that by prioritising your own well-being, you can unlock the best version of yourself in all areas of your life?
Welcome to my new 7-day series, "Self-Care Revolution: A 7-Day Guide to 5 Essential Habits for Busy Professional Women"
In this introductory article, I'll share with you the five essential self-care pillars that will help you ruthlessly prioritise self-care. From the importance of sleep and physical activity to nurturing relationships and adopting a learner's mindset, I'll guide you on how to look after yourself so that you can show up as your best self in all aspects of your life. Are you ready to put on your own oxygen mask first and become the best version of yourself? Keep reading to find out how.
But before we dive into the pillars of self-care, let's take a moment to explore some of the fears that may be holding you back from prioritising yourself. Do any of these sound familiar? The fear of:
Being perceived as selfish for putting yourself first
Failing to meet the expectations of others
Not being able to handle the added responsibility that comes with self-care
These fears can be paralysing, but it's important to recognise them and push past them. By prioritising your own well-being, you'll not only show up as your best self but also set an example for those around you. So, take a deep breath and let's dive into the world of self-care together.
Now that we've acknowledged the fears that may be holding you back let's explore some secrets to help you prioritise self-care. These secrets may not be widely known, but they can make a tremendous difference in your life:
1. Set boundaries
It's important to say 'no' to things that don't align with your priorities. This may mean delegating tasks or declining invitations, but it's essential for your well-being.
2. Practice self-compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you'd offer a friend. This means forgiving yourself for mistakes and being gentle with yourself during challenging times.
3. Create a self-care routine
Just like you have a daily routine for work and family obligations, create a routine for looking after yourself. This could include activities such as meditation, exercise, or reading a book before bed. By making self-care a habit, it becomes easier to prioritise.
In this article, you've learned that prioritising self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for busy professional women and mothers in leadership. By looking after yourself, you can unlock the best version of yourself in all areas of your life. The five essential self-care pillars, including sleep, physical activity, mental activity, nutrition, and connection, can help you achieve this. However, fears such as being perceived as selfish or not being able to handle added responsibility may hold you back.
Over this 7-day series, I'll show you how to overcome these fears and ruthlessly prioritise self-care so you can unleash the best version of yourself.
Let's make your success healthy and happy!
Dr. Masi
Disclaimer: The content in this newsletter and related Wix posts is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Views expressed are those of Dr. Masi Njawaya and Herself Health and not any official organisation. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice. Use this information at your own risk.