Talk to yourself like someone you love.
-Brene Brown
Do you have trouble relaxing? I know I sure do! There can be many reasons why this is true in so many of our lives, especially if you’re a woman. This might be because of external causes like how women are socialized in society to be super women and super moms who can do it all by themselves (and even one handed!). It might also be because of internal causes like perfectionism and feeling like you always need to be doing something productive inside and outside of the home. Moving forward, I’ll dive a little deeper why women struggle with relaxing, as well as ways to offset these struggles with the help of self-care.
Reasons why it’s often so difficult for women to relax:
- You feel like your duties are never done
- Not trusting others to help (or to do it your way)
- Wanting all tasks completed first, before even thinking about relaxing
- Everyone else’s needs come before your own
- Feeling like you’re always failing somewhere
- Thing that relaxing isn’t productive
- Wanting things done perfectly
- There’s too much to do (and never enough time to do it all)
- Your discomfort with asking for help
- Fear that if you don’t complete tasks, no one will
What else would you add to this list?
Here are some basic self-care needs to be aware of that often need to be met before being able to relax:
- Staying hydrated
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating a healthy diet for your body/ eating regularly
- Moving your body- exercise, stretching, weight lifting, etc.
- Social support- regular time with family and friends!
What else would you add to the above list?
There are lots of different types of self-care, but here I’d like to focus on just one kind, physical self-care ideas:
- Make plans with loved ones
- Start a hobby
- Take breaks
- Take a deep breath
- Give or receive a hug
- Schedule some alone time
- Schedule in transitions throughout your day
- Schedule a physical checkup with your doctor
- Do something relaxing like taking a nap or going for a walk
- Do a body scan of your current aches and pains
- Tighten and relax your muscles
- Snuggle under a blanket
- Enjoy your morning coffee or tea
- Spend time with your pet
What other physical self-care ideas would you add here?
If you’re struggling with relaxing in your life, especially if you’re a woman, know that you’re not alone. Many of us have these same struggles throughout our lives. Therapy can help. Self-care can also help. I’m sending your lots of love and support as your figure out ways to add more downtime and relaxation into your everyday life!
