Women can do it all but should they have to?
On the heels of Barbie on the big screen and at the end of a reflective Women’s History Month, we’re thinking about all the ways women make the world go round. But with so much societal pressure dictating their roles and responsibilities, how can women truly thrive?
Under Leah’s leadership at NULASTIN, we believe that being the best “you” starts with a commitment to your own health and happiness. Her drive and honesty inspire all of us at the company. The beautiful thing is, she wants the same positivity for every woman. Let’s talk about the biggest threats to overall well-being and how to break free.
It’s time to stop putting yourself second
That’s it. We said it! There’s a phenomenon in psychology called “Human Giver Syndrome” (HGS). In a nutshell, it happens when women put the needs of others before their own well-being. Sound familiar? We thought it might.
Over time, HGS leads to self-neglect, burnout and overwhelming stress as women feel like they have to set aside their own aspirations, desires and even basic needs. It’s largely fueled by societal expectations around traditional gender roles – outdated residual beliefs from before women comprised more than half of the U.S. labor force (nearly 57%)*.
Reprioritizing what matters most
Navigating the landscape of work and career, caregiving responsibilities, home duties, family and social obligations, and self-care is quite the juggling act. So it’s no wonder women are deprioritizing themselves when there are too many “plates in the air”.
We’re here to remind you that putting yourself first isn’t selfish. It’s not only the key to a more fulfilling life; it’s absolutely necessary to be the best version of yourself for those you love most. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup. That means giving your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health the time and attention it deserves.
Actionable steps to makeover your time
1. Engage Self-Talk
Ask yourself some hard questions and be radically honest with your answers. If you want to reawaken your sense of self, you have to recognize where you are. Becoming aware of your tendency to put everyone else first is key. Not sure? Keep a journal for a week and take stock of any instances where you defer your needs to serve others.
2. Set Boundaries
Not happy with what you’re noticing about your time, or realizing there’s simply none left over for you? It’s time to start “protecting” your time to rest, recharge and do whatever it is that makes your heart glow. Leah likes to say, “Separate yourself from what's not positive and surround yourself with what is.” The good news is that there’s a magic word for making this happen. Learn to say “no” to the things that don’t serve you. In the famous words of Dr. Brené Brown, “choose discomfort over resentment”. That means saying “no” can actually strengthen your relationships.
3. Reintroduce Self-Care
Self-care looks different for everyone but there are five core facets: physical, emotional, social, mental and spiritual. Try making a list of all the things that keep you grounded and refer back to it daily. Try to care for each facet regularly. To start with a realistic goal, choose one activity from your list to honor each one. For example, maybe your five are using a hair serum like NULASTIN to address hair loss (physical), journaling (emotional), spending time with loved ones (social), continued learning (mental) and meditation (spiritual).
4. Find Your Village
We’re all guilty of this, but don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers or a trusted mentor. Humans aren’t designed to do it all alone. We’re social creatures and asking for support is actually proven to bring people closer together. Anytime you’re in need of a little guidance, validation or encouragement remember that it’s OK to reach out to those closest to you. You might be so used to showing up for everyone else that you forgot asking for help is even an option!
5. Live By Example
Radiant confidence is contagious. There’s a reason why confident people seek each other out. Prioritizing your own well-being is an act of courage. By standing up for your own needs, you’re encouraging all the other women in your life to do the same. You’re a leader reassuring them that it is possible to reclaim your time and do what it takes to pursue your own growth and fulfillment. No guilt. No shame. Just strong women taking back what they deserve. Leah puts it well when she says, “Live with no regrets.”
Achieving overall well-being calls for a shift in mindset and action. Ask yourself whether you’re getting what you want out of life, set healthy boundaries to protect your time, reprioritize self-care, lean on those around you and stand firm in your perspective that women deserve to live the lives they desire. YOU deserve it.
What changes will you make first?
