Dear working woman,

In this fast paced life, managing a holistic lifestyle can be difficult. Especially for a working woman, juggling career, home, and personal time can lead to stress and fatigue. The game of life demands every ounce of energy in everything we do. It means we are left with very little energy for ourselves, and very little time to replenish it. Add to it the hurdles this world puts up in front of you for being a woman, and it is enough to fester depression or anxiety.

Apart from succeeding in every aspect of our lives, we, as women, also need to make our psychological well-being a priority in life. Being mentally fit and happy not only helps you focus more on all your tasks and responsibilities, it also enables you to live a healthier, more composed life on a daily basis.

Understanding Psychological Well-Being

Today, when everyone expects us to do everything, keeping our calm and appreciating our own efforts becomes challenging. We start doubting our capabilities, focus on our flaws, and give in to anxiety easily. It’s not that we are not capable of handling challenging situations; we just lack the right mental space and energy to address them calmly and efficiently. This is why your mental well-being is extremely important – it helps you keep your composure in tough times and manage your emotions.

Many people tend to run away from the problems by ignoring them altogether, procrastinating, blaming others for their problems, or giving in to short-lived stress-coping activities like smoking or drinking. While it helps our mind escape the pressure of the situation, it is not a solution. Unless you start working on your psychological well-being, you cannot expect things to get better. It has to begin from within, and it has to begin now.

Working Women & Quality of Life

Many studies suggest that women who have a professional career or job are more satisfied with their lives than women who engage in house-making tasks alone. This only reinforces the fact that the stress in our lives is not because we have to focus on job and home both at the same time. If anything, a career or job gives you the confidence, sense of independence, and more satisfaction in life.

So why do working women struggle with psychological well-being?

It is because we are often overwhelmed by the sheer pressure that comes with juggling multiple tasks from our professional and personal life. Women have to work twice as hard as men to get the same recognition and respect at work, and they have always been known to contribute more at home than their male partners.

Amidst this hustle of wearing all the hats at once, we sometimes forget to take off the hats and relax. Many working women experience continuous physical fatigue despite taking adequate rest. This is because their mind also needs some recharging or attention: something we fail to acknowledge until it starts affecting us physically.

How do you boost your psychological well-being?

The most common question all life coaches are asked is “How do we recharge our minds?”

And the only answer I give is that there isn’t one specific answer. Every person is different, and so are the things that bring them joy and peace. In order to build and enhance your psychological well-being, you have to identify what makes you feel relaxed, gives you joy, and does not completely exhaust your mind in the process. A life coach or therapist can help you better identify what makes you happy, and how to engage in activities that bring you positive energy and joy.

Make relaxation a part of your routine

Some people plan a mini vacation, leisure trip, or spa visit to rejuvenate, while others choose to volunteer time for a social cause. While these periodical escapes from the routine help you come back with a fresh energy and more excitement, your stressful routine will quickly have you feeling tired again. This is why it is important to make time for yourself every day, doing something you like, or absolutely nothing at all.

Include physical exercise or workout in your day if your job demands sitting for long hours. This will help keep your body and mind active throughout the day. Set aside some time for reading books, walking in the garden or park, cooking something delicious, or just sitting in the balcony sipping your favorite beverage. Give yourself time to unwind on a daily basis, and you will witness reduced stress and anxiety.

So stop to breathe.

Relax.

It’s not a race that you have to win.

Keeping your physical and psychological well-being as a priority can bring you more confidence and happiness.

Love,

Geeta Ramakrishnan

Author(s)

  • Geeta Ramakrishnan

    Author and Ontological coach

    Geeta Ramakrishnan grew up in Mumbai, India. Her marriage brought her to Dubai. Keenly interested and intrigued by human behaviour, she focused on human capital management of the family business. Her curiosity and passion led her to attend an ontological coach training programme from Newfield Asia, Singapore. She offers coaching and also conducts workshops on her favourite subject 'Change’. Over the last 50 years, she has recognised key lessons on how to be happy, while holding her own in her family and in this world. She offers her experiences demonstrating the balancing act of nurturing success with happiness.