Prioritizing Health: Mind, Body and Beyond
As women, we often find ourselves caring for everyone else first – our families, our jobs, our friends, our communities. Somewhere along the way, we put our well-being on the back burner. But the truth is, our health, both mental and physical, is the foundation that supports everything we do. Prioritizing ourselves isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity! And it starts with acknowledging that our mental health deserves just as much attention and care as our physical health.
We carry so much. From navigating careers and relationships to managing households and caregiving roles, the mental load we juggle can be overwhelming. Add in the hormonal shifts that come with our periods, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause…and it’s no wonder our emotional well-being can feel like a rollercoaster.
Anxiety, burnout, and depression creeps up quietly, masked by our ability to keep it all together on the surface level. But just because we can handle it, doesn’t mean we should have to.
Sometimes our bodies signal what our minds are trying to say. When we feel constantly tired, struggle to fall asleep (or stay asleep like me!), or experience aches and pains that won’t go away, it could be more than just a physical issue, it could be stress, anxiety, or emotional fatigues showing up on the surface. That’s why it’s important that we go in our annual physicals, we speak honestly about how we’re feeling mentally, too. In my opinion, taking a holistic approach to health means making space for both our bodies and minds.
Talking care of ourselves doesn’t mean we have to have it all figured out. It can be as simple as moving our bodies in ways that feel good, saying no to extra commitments without guilt, asking for help, or finally booking that therapy appointment. It’s about recognizing when we’re struggling and honoring those feelings without shame.
Self-care is not selfish, it’s survival!
And the more we practice it, the more we give others permission to do the same. Let’s normalize the conversation about therapy, boundaries, hormone health, gut health, rest, and everything in between.
Our health is not a sidenote – it’s the whole story!
And we’re allowed to make ourselves a priority. Because when we’re well, we show up stronger and softer, and more whole for our loved ones, but more importantly ourselves.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or simply feel overwhelmed, please know that support is available. Here are a few places to start:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): call the HelpLine at 1-800-950-6264, or text “helpline” to 62640. Your state has local affiliates, be sure to check them out.
Postpartum Support International is a great resource to help inform and guide you through postpartum experiences. As friends, sisters, and mothers, we can also play a role in supporting those who may need our support.
Visit The Menopause Society to learn more about the connection between mental health and our hormones. Whether you’re in your 30s or 40s and starting to experience the hormonal shifts of perimenopause, or you’re over 50 and navigating menopause, remember: the more we know, the better equipped we are to advocate for ourselves.