Celebrating International Women's Day ......
During this week we have celebrated International Women’s Day and on Sunday, in the UK, we celebrate Mother’s Day, it has been a week of reflecting on the profound impact women have on our lives, including mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunties, teachers, doctors, nurses and carers, and so much more. Each role, whether big or small, uniquely shapes the world around us.
Women’s influence extends beyond family ties; they are pillars in our communities, guiding as educators, healing as caregivers, and inspiring as leaders. Their contributions are not just acts of service but powerful ripples that nurture the growth and well-being of society.
In a world where society’s expectations, gender roles, and personal challenges overlap, prioritising mental health becomes paramount, and good mental well-being matters.
Taking Time for Ourselves ......
Finding the time to step away and take time for ourselves can feel like a struggle (I say this from my own experience), there is always something else to be done, somewhere else to be but how do we put the brakes on, step off the hamster wheel and allow ourselves some time to just to be?
This is where self-care comes into play, you may have heard the phrase ‘we cannot pour from an empty jug’. Putting our needs first is vitally important for our mental health wellbeing and can help in times of feeling overwhelmed, stressed and anxious.
Self-Care: Filling Our Cups ......
The saying goes, “We can’t pour from an empty jug.” Allowing ourselves the time to focus on our needs can make a significant difference to our mental health and well-being. Below are some suggestions on how we can ensure self-care becomes an integral part of our lives, this takes time and whether it be for 10 minutes a day or a few hours a week ensuring that we look after ourselves will in turn help us to support those around us.
I do not want to preach to the converted but sometimes a little reminder can be helpful. Writing this blog has helped me reflect on my self-care and I have made a promise to myself to priotise a bit of ‘me time’ so maybe this has become a message to myself!
- Prioritise quality ‘you time’.Think about your sleep routine and where and when you can rest, is it a calm peaceful environment. Allow yourself to take time to connect with friends and family be this over a cup of tea or a meal, enjoy the moment. This can help repair and restore the body, mind, and spirit.
- Do not dismiss your thoughts – pay attention. Challenge negative messages you hear yourself playing over and over again in your head which may include fears and feelings of inadequacy.
- We’re often our harshest critics and in turn our worst enemies. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others.
- When you start to feel overwhelmed try to start saying NO to requests to help others, try to put your needs first
- Connecting to yourself; take part in an activity or experience that brings you joy, no matter how briefly. Let the sunshine on your face. Start that new book that has been sitting on your bookshelf for the last year. Meet a good friend. Walk in nature. Simply do something that brings you joy – something for you.
- Move Your Body: Regular exercise isn’t just about physical health; it positively impacts mental well-being. Find an activity you love, whether it’s yoga, gardening, dancing, or team sports. Movement releases endorphins and reduces stress.
- Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
- Counselling Sessions, can also form a part of your self-care routine, time for yourself in a safe, non-judgemental space to focus totally on what matters – and that is you!
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish— quality self-care is linked to improved mental health, with benefits like enhanced self–esteem and self-worth, increased optimism, a positive outlook on life, and lower levels of anxiety and depression.
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