In a world of deadlines and endless to-do lists, taking care of ourselves isn't just important; it’s a necessity.
In a world of deadlines and endless to-do lists, taking care of ourselves isn't just important; it’s a necessity.
But what exactly is self-care? It is a holistic approach to preserving balance, reducing stress, and preventing burnout. It is a deliberate practice of actions to improve and maintain well-being.
The word self-care has been misconstrued and tied to money lately, and in this economy, not everyone has money to spare, or the time, honestly. It often comes wrapped in expensive skincare, gym membership, Pilates, and matcha. What if I told you there are other ways to practice self-care without breaking the bank or stealing your time?
1. Set strong boundaries
As a working girl, your version of self-care feels less inspiring. By day, you answer calls and emails before you can even enjoy your morning coffee; by night, you’re meal prepping and, surprisingly, bringing work home with you. You work out and clean up at the same time, or even help the kids with homework.
Girl, you can do it all; you are a trailblazer, but you need to set some boundaries. Let your me time be just that. Turn off your emails to prevent working overtime and heading toward burnout. Remember, it is okay to decline tasks to preserve energy and time. Condition your mind to be home; take off your work clothes as soon as you get home so your brain knows it’s time to relax and just exist.
2. Fuel your body
Office jobs, or any job, often consume us so much that we forget our bodies need replenishing. Your body is not a machine. Stop surviving on coffee and peanuts and have real meals. And let’s settle this once and for all: having lunch at your desk while answering emails is not a lunch break. Take your lunch to the cafeteria, the car, or sit somewhere that isn’t your desk so your brain knows it is on a break.
Drink plenty of water, and eat your vegetables and fruit. These can help you fight autoimmune diseases and other illnesses.
3. Sleep with no guilt
Sleep is another self-care factor that’s often taken for granted; people often label it laziness. As much as podcasts and self-proclaimed ‘experts’ tell you they were grinding while you slept, you need a full 8 hours of sleep. Your body needs it; you don’t need to get glorified for being busy. That’s toxic for you and your brain, and you make better decisions when you’re well-rested. Remember to cut off screen time an hour before bedtime and reserve your bed for sleep and sex only.
4. Keep fit
Movement is one of the simplest forms of self-care. A quick walk, a morning stretch or a dance break between Zoom calls can do wonders for your mood. Exercise releases endorphins that help reduce stress, lift your spirits, and may even ease period cramps. Oh, and while we're on the topic of endorphins... have sex. Seriously. Healthy, consensual sex has been linked to lower stress levels, better sleep, and improved mood. Self-care isn't always green juices and Pilates; sometimes it's simply doing what makes your body feel good.
5. Get regular check-ups
Your OB/GYN is your best friend. Staying on top of your health can help prevent issues from becoming serious problems. Women are more prone to STIs and diseases, so it is vital to get routine checkups to catch them early. Whether it is a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer, breast exams and all STI screenings, or a conversation about your reproductive health, a girl who cares about herself will stay informed about what is happening in her body. Prevention is always better (and saves more money) than cure. So, if it feels wrong, make time for it.
Being a working girl means wearing many hats. We’re nurturers, dream chasers, career builders, and somehow, with a little pink magic, we hold it all together. That’s a big task for Elmo.
So, this week, choose one thing. Just one. Go to bed early, have lunch away from your desk, or book an appointment with your GP/OBGYN. The glow you’re chasing doesn’t always come from skincare routines or face masks; it comes from taking care of the woman behind it all.
