Even Super-Women Need Down Time

Yes, I said it. I know you might have thought that the idea of Super-Women went out in the 80’s or 90’s but don’t fool yourself. There are probably more pressures on us as women today than there were back then. We thought we had a lot to take care of before and now we've added in social networking, cell phones, 24 hour news stations and more. Now, we’re on call and in touch almost 24/7.
How many women do you know who have a dozen or more plates in the air at any given time? Maybe all you have to do is look in the mirror to see an over-committed, overworked, slightly frazzled Super Woman You may be spending most of your energy every day, working hard just to keep everything from crashing down around their ears. You might even think that you’re supposed to be able to handle it all, every minute of every day. I've been that woman myself in the past and its not always pleasant. In fact, it can downright fray your very last nerve if you’re not keeping an eye on yourself and your needs, too.
So, what do you do when you’re overworked, over-stressed, under-fulfilled and did I say overworked?
You ask for help. You take a look at where you can delegate, where you can say no and where you need to take care of “you”. When you realize that you need to take care of “you” first and foremost, you’ll begin to have the energy and vitality and joy necessary to take care of everyone and everything else in your life with ease.
Now, I know asking for help and delegating isn't always easy. In fact, I remember the first time someone told me that it was okay to ask for help. I was kinda stunned. It just never occurred to me that I could do that. I really thought I had to “do it all” on my own. But, it’s just not so.
So, I began to ask for help and I got it. It wasn't as hard as I thought and it helped alleviate some of the pressure. I also started paying attention to my needs. It was really enlightening when I found out that I could have something I wanted, too, that I didn't have to keep doing and doing for everyone else.
If you've ever been on a commercial airline then you've heard the speech about the air bags. They always tell you that when they drop those oxygen masks, put your own mask on first! That way you’ll be able to help those around you to put theirs on. If you don’t, you’ll pass out before you can help anyone and then everyone will be in trouble.
This makes sense and it also applies to everyday life, not just flying. If you’re trying to be a Super Woman and you’re spreading your Self too thin, you could end up with nothing left to give. All your plans could fall by the wayside while your body makes its needs known and you’re forced to pay attention. This is one of those lessons you want to learn the easy way, by listening to sound advice. So why not pay attention on purpose and take care of the one person in your life who has to get everything done - you.
How? Well, there are probably as many ways to give yourself some loving attention as there are people. For some, it’s as easy to recharge as spending a bit of time with a good book, others purposely set aside a scheduled time for themselves, while still others make a more concerted effort and ask for help from a professional Life Coach, Therapist, or someone else who can give them an objective plan to get their lives where they want them to be. People from all walks of life and all kinds of professionals seek help from coaches, counselors and etc. to help give them an objective look at their lives. The biggest thing to know is that its okay to do so and it might just be the best way to go. I know I get a better workout when I have a fitness coach than when I’m working out on my own, even if it’s on a DVD. That objective, supportive presence helps me push forward and directs me in purposeful, specific steps.
If you find yourself in need of some re-organizing in your life, here are a few things that might help get you going:
Set aside as least an hour a week for yourself to just relax in whatever way you like best. It could be one solid hour or you could break it up into smaller increments spread throughout the week.
Take a Pilates or Yoga class - this gives you time just for you while also giving specific attention to your body to relieve stress and raise your energy levels.
Begin a daily walking routine.
Establish a daily meditation habit.
Have a nice soak in the bath at least once a week - door closed and locked, if necessary.
Schedule a “Girl’s Night Out” once or twice a month. Spending time with friends can be incredibly uplifting.
Pick one or more and give it a try. If it doesn't do the trick, move on to the next one or come up with something you love to do that will give you that bit of breathing space.
Let me know what works best for you. What’s your favorite way to unwind and recharge? How do you take care of Ms. Super Woman?