By Sue Ramauthur
In today's fast-paced world, the demands on working women are immense and can feel overwhelming. Balancing a career, personal life, and self-care can seem like a daunting task. However, creating a holistic balance that incorporates exercise and mental health practices is essential for overall wellbeing. A holistic balance refers to the integration of various aspects of life, ensuring that mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health are all nurtured. For working women, achieving this balance requires conscious effort and strategic planning. The goal is not perfection but a sustainable lifestyle that supports overall wellbeing.
Here’s how busy working women can achieve this balance and thrive both personally and professionally.
The first step towards holistic balance is prioritising self-care. This means recognising the importance of taking time for oneself despite a hectic schedule. Self-care can take many forms, like taking a relaxing bubble bath, immersing yourself in a good book, or just taking a few minutes at the end of your day to sit down in a quiet place, with a cup of tea and reflect on the day that was.
By establishing a routine, we are able to make time for these important aspects of self-care and creating consistency is key to building habits that promote wellbeing.
As women, we may feel the need to please those around us, often at the expense of our own personal priorities - learn to say “no” and set boundaries at work and in your personal life. This prevents burnout and ensures that there is time for rest and rejuvenation. Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs clearly and prioritise tasks that align with your goals and values.
Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. Exercise helps reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost energy levels. For busy working women, finding time for exercise might seem challenging, but it is essential. If time is a challenge, perhaps opt for short, high-intensity workouts that can be done in 15-20 minutes. Activities like HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), brisk walking, or even dancing can be highly effective. These workouts can be squeezed into a lunch break or early morning routine.
If possible, integrate physical activity into your daily commute. Walk or cycle to work or park your car further away and walk the rest of the way - this can add valuable movement into your day.
Make use of breaks during the workday to stretch, walk, or do simple exercises at your desk. There are numerous desk workout routines available online that can help keep you active even in a sedentary job.