As you may already know, midlife can be challenging.
Not only are your bodies and emotions undergoing upheaval thanks to your changing hormones, but you may also find yourself juggling multiple responsibilities, from taking care of children (even adult children) and aging parents, to managing careers and households.
Never in history have women been so over-burdened, and yet have so much agency over our lives.
Despite being able to decide for ourselves, we continue to carry the load, and are often reluctant to ask for help.
Too many of us are out of balance and exhausted.
The only way for you to restore balance and gain strength is to finally give in to taking care of your needs.
What are your needs?
Moving your body is a need; eating nourishing food is a need; getting a decent amount and quality of sleep is a need; feeling calm more often than stressed is a need.
Getting your nails done… Not a need.
Although getting your nails done feels great, you may be ignoring your essential needs.
In this post, I want to help you explore some important strategies that can support you so that you can continue to support others.
Embrace self-care as non-negotiable
Now is the perfect time to make healthy habits a habit.
Start by recognizing your own needs and making them not only a priority, but non-negotiable.
And set aside dedicated time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s practicing yoga, reading a book, or pursuing a hobby.
(If you don’t know what brings you joy, please stop reading and take a few moments to make a list.)
In addition, make time for regular movement, nourishing foods, and sufficient sleep and rest so you can maintain your physical and mental well-being.
Remember, if you’re taken care of, everyone benefits.
Cultivate a supportive network
Building a strong support network is vital.
Surround yourself with people who uplift and understand you.
Cultivate deep, meaningful connections with friends, family, or support groups who can provide emotional support, advice, and companionship.
Also, seek out mentors or role models who have successfully navigated the challenges of midlife and menopause.
Sharing experiences and wisdom is empowering and comforting.
Set your boundaries
You may often feel the pressure to be everything to everyone.
And because of that, setting boundaries is essential for maintaining your well-being.
Saying “no” more often and being assertive about what you need are skills you can and must learn.
Then go ahead and communicate your boundaries clearly and honestly, both at work and in your personal life.
And remember, it’s always okay, and even appreciated, when you ask for help and let others who care about you share the load.
Practice self-reflection
You are in midlife and this is a perfect time of introspection and self-discovery.
Take minutes, even hours, to reflect on your life’s purpose, values, and goals.
Journal or engage in mindfulness practices to gain clarity and insight.
Consider seeking out professional guidance in the form of counseling or coaching to navigate any challenging emotions or transitions you may be experiencing.
By understanding yourself better, you’ll be able to make decisions that align with your authentic self.
Invest in your personal growth
Don’t pass up this unique opportunity that midlife offers for personal growth and reinvention.
Explore new interests, acquire new skills, or embark on a brand-new career path if that aligns with your aspirations.
Investing in personal growth not only enhances your self-worth but also inspires and energizes you.
Embrace the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and passions.
Your self-care practices inform the next generation
When you support others at the expense of your own needs, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and burnout.
And you impact and inform the next generation.
As women we have to stop believing that taking care of our needs is selfish, and that it’s okay to sacrifice our well-being in service of others.
It’s NOT okay.
And if we continue to do this, we’re passing on this gene or meme to our daughters and grand-daughters.
When you take the steps to support yourself, you create a solid foundation from which to help others.
And you give future generations of women the gifts of self-worth and self-reliance.
So, take the time to embrace this transformative phase of your life with compassion and even enthusiasm.
By taking care of yourself, you are changing the world for all women and girls.
Keep moving forward my friend,
Debbie
P.S. Are you ready to put yourself first? Or at least start making changes in favor of your health and well-being? Then I’m here to coach you. Let’s talk about it. Book a virtual coffee chat with me and let’s move forward.