Celebrating Self-Love: A Valentine's Day Reminder for Women
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we often think of love in terms of relationships with others. However, it’s crucial that we take a step back and focus on a very important relationship—the one we have with ourselves. Self-love is not just a trendy phrase; it’s an essential foundation for overall well-being and the key to thriving in life and leadership.
Embracing Self-Love
Self-love means recognizing your worth and treating yourself with kindness and compassion. It means giving yourself permission to prioritize your needs and nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. As women, we often shoulder a myriad of responsibilities—balancing a career, maintaining a social life, managing a household, and planning for the days, weeks, and months ahead.
The Weight of the Mental Load
Recent studies highlight that women consistently report carrying a heavier mental load compared to their male counterparts. The mental load includes all the planning, organizing, and remembering that goes into daily life. It’s not just about doing tasks; it’s about managing the endless lists in our heads: “Did I remember to book that appointment?” What’s for dinner tonight?” Don’t forget the vet appointment tomorrow!”, “What needs to go on the grocery list?”, “When will I have time for laundry?”- And as you all read this - you know this is a light list and all of these thoughts can be running on a loop at the same time. This isn’t even diving into holidays like Christmas, and Thanksgiving - AND what about figuring out the timing of everything?? I know you know what I mean about that! This is heavy stuff and most of us do this and observers think, WOW- they are so organized, it comes so natural to them…. try being on the inside.
Statistics tell a revealing story:
Women represent about 47% of the Canadian labor force , contributing significantly to the economy. Yet, alongside their professional responsibilities, women perform about three times more unpaid household work than men, which adds to the constant mental load they carry.
On top of this, a Statistics Canada report showed that nearly 50% of women feel stressed trying to manage both work and home responsibilities, emphasizing how overwhelming and exhausting this dual burden can be.
This constant scrolling of to-dos can lead to debilitating mental exhaustion. It keeps us awake at night, worrying about what we might have forgotten. When our minds are busy juggling a thousand thoughts, it becomes challenging to focus, let alone find time for self-care.
““Self-love is not just a trendy phrase; it’s an essential foundation for overall well-being.””
The Impact of Mental Exhaustion
Mental fatigue affects everything—from our relationships to our work performance. It can manifest as anxiety, irritability, and even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, affecting physical and mental health. Recognizing this cycle is essential, and to break it, we need to intentionally make changes in how we approach our responsibilities.
Women are excelling in their professional lives:
Women make up 58% of all university graduates in Canada, shaping the educational landscape.
In 2022, women-owned businesses represented 16.3% of Canadian SMEs. By 2023, that figure has increased to 18%. This gradual rise highlights the ongoing growth of female entrepreneurship in Canada.
Women hold about 30% of senior management roles, showing progress toward gender parity in leadership positions.
As Women continue to break barriers and achieve remarkable milestones, it becomes increasingly crucial for women to prioritize their own well-being and self-care in the pursuit of success. Here are some tips for embracing self-care and self-love to support this journey.
Tips for Prioritizing Self-Care and Love
Set Boundaries : Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that overwhelm you. Prioritize what's truly important.
Schedule "Me Time" : Just as you schedule appointments and meetings, block out time for yourself—whether it’s for relaxation, hobbies, or just a quiet moment to think.
Practice Mindfulness : Take a few moments each day to breathe deeply, meditate, or simply be present. This can help clear your mind and reduce stress.
Create Lists : Use tools like planners or apps to organize your tasks. Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper can lighten your mental load significantly.
Celebrate Small Wins : Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This cultivates a sense of accomplishment and helps shift focus from stress to positivity.
Engage in Physical Activities : Incorporate movement into your routine. Activities like walking, yoga, or dancing can help relieve stress and lift your mood. Even a 15-minute walk can clear your mind and enhance your focus.
Connect with Nature : Spend time outdoors to enjoy fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Nature has a calming effect that can reduce anxiety and promote mindfulness.
Explore Creative Outlets : Engaging in creative activities such as painting, writing, or crafting can provide a wonderful mental escape and foster self-expression.
““Recognizing the weight of the mental load we bear is crucial to empowering ourselves.””
Studies Show:
Incorporating self-care practices into daily routines is vital for overall well-being. Setting boundaries enhances mental health and personal integrity, as highlighted by Dr. Brené Brown. Scheduling "me time" boosts creativity and problem-solving abilities, according to research in Psychological Science . Mindfulness practices, as demonstrated by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, significantly reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Additionally, engaging in creative activities can lower anxiety and encourage self-expression, as shown in studies from the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association . Together, these practices foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Conclusion
As we embrace self-love and prioritize our well-being, it’s essential to recognize that the mental load many women carry can lead to feelings of resentment and anger—emotionally exhausting states that can push you to a breaking point. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and drained, know that you’re not alone, and reaching out for support through a coaching session can make a powerful difference.
Now, consider this: what if you just stopped doing all the things? If your immediate response is, ‘“are you kidding me?”, “I’ll be further behind,” or “that will only create more stress,” it’s a clear sign that it might be time to seek coaching. I can help you work through those feelings, build strategies for sharing responsibilities, and reclaim your time and energy.
Self-love isn’t just about self-care; it’s about recognizing when you need support and giving yourself permission to ask for it. This Valentine’s Day, let’s affirm our worth and prioritize our own needs. Fall in LOVE with YOURSELF.
