Flourish and Bloom: A Woman’s Guide to Living Well
Guest Article Written by Dean Burgess
Juggling the various roles you play as a woman - daughter, friend, partner, employee, and more — is no easy feat. It can leave you with very little time for yourself, result in burnout, or even induce mental illness. Taking measurable steps to live well is important and can go a long way in helping you remain content while meeting your responsibilities to the best of your ability.
Self-Care
Finding time to destress may feel gratuitous, especially when you have a lot on your plate, but it’s also essential for long-term wellbeing. Self-care looks different for everyone, but even if you don’t have the time for long, relaxing baths or a facial every evening, you should aim to dedicate at least an hour each day to unwind. This could mean reading a chapter or two of a book, listening to your favorite artist, or simply sitting outdoors with a cup of coffee. Avoid gadgets or electronic devices and be sure to stay away from noise or harsh lighting. These acts will help your mind shut out the hustle and bustle of the day and prepare your body for rest.
Eating Well
No matter how busy you get during your day, you have to find the time to eat. So, why not ensure that your meals are as healthy and nutritious as possible?
Sadly, when you have a lot to do, junk food and takeaways can seem to be the quickest and most accessible solution, but these can be avoided by planning ahead. By taking a few minutes on the weekend to schedule your lunches for the upcoming week, you’ll be able to write up a grocery list and pre-pack healthy snacks for each day.
It’s also vital to stay hydrated throughout the day. Set reminders on your phone or make use of a tracking app to remember to take a drink every now and then.
Growth
When you have solid goals in place and you’re making conscientious efforts to achieve them, it becomes a lot more difficult to feel unhappy and complacent.
If your job is a source of stress and you feel stagnant in your career, consider adjusting your path. Research fields that you are passionate and excited about and look for free online courses that could help you qualify for positions that are currently being advertised.
Once you are more confident in the direction you’d like to go in, get your resume done quickly with a resume builder. A professional and polished CV will help you put your best foot forward to prospective employers.
Meditation
Spirituality has a multitude of benefits for your wellbeing, but, even if you don’t believe in a higher power, taking a few minutes to meditate each day can be transformative. Take this time to clear your mind of your responsibilities, and instead focus on your relationships, emotions, and character. Some find it helps to reflect on your actions and consider ways you can improve the value you bring to the people in your life.
Staying Fit
Regular exercise has been scientifically proven to help fight against mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. By scheduling a workout into your routine, not only will you get your daily dose of endorphins, but you’ll be working towards a body that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Life is multi-faceted, and so in order to not let one segment of your life bog you down, it’s important to maintain a semblance of balance and equilibrium in your routine. If your current circumstances are less than ideal, take the time to adjust and refocus your path and work towards becoming the best version of yourself.