I am NOT a Superwoman, and That’s OK

I am going to be honest with you all: I’m tired. And I’m tired of being tired.

I am tired of trying to do everything all at once, completing everything to perfection, and having to look good while doing it. No one person should be expected to handle everything life throws at them.

It’s OK to sit in your car and cry, take a break from the chaos to walk around the block, or yell in an empty house. There are days when I say, “screw this sh*t,” and I bundle under my blanket on the couch and mindlessly binge on old comedies or watch true crime shows. Or, to calm my mind, I open the bedroom windows and doze off to the sound of the leaves rustling and birds chirping.

Every Sunday, I practice “self-care Sundays” and spend the day pampering myself and catering to my needs, including deep conditioning my hair, painting my toenails, watching a few football games, or reading a Kindle book. I cap the day with a long, luxurious bath made with homemade bubble bath, soothing candles, soft music, and a cocktail.

We are all human; we need some time to rest and recharge. Building a habit of prioritizing our health and well-being is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Taking regular breaks, eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising and investing in our mental health are all essential.

Striving for perfection in every aspect of our lives – work, family, and personal affairs – women often feel intense pressure to live up to the ideal of the superwoman. But being a superwoman is neither realistic nor sustainable, and it can lead to a significant decline in a woman’s mental and physical health.

The Dangers of the Superwoman Mentality

My life was in a whirlwind of chaos and was going downhill fast, and I was experiencing several symptoms of the toxic need to be everything to everyone at all times:

• Constant pressure to be perfect can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout.
• Overworking and multitasking can result in decreased productivity and lower-quality outputs.
• Neglecting self-care and personal needs can lead to poor physical and mental health, relationship strain, and lower job satisfaction.

Embracing Self-Care for Success

Over the last two years, I have been intentionally slowing down and pacing myself, calming my nerves, and prioritizing myself and my needs and desires. I now:

• Prioritize self-care activities: exercise, rest, healthy diet, and emotional self-awareness.
• Set boundaries to allocate time and energy toward work, family, and personal pursuits.
• Understand that asking for help or delegating tasks is OK; we cannot take on everything alone.

Making a Sustainable Shift

It’s easier said than done, especially if you’re like me and everything in your household falls on you.

• Accept that it is impossible to be perfect in every aspect of your life and focus on what truly matters to you.
• Develop a strong support network of friends, family, and colleagues who encourage and uplift you.
• Learn to say “no” to added responsibilities and unnecessary pressures to maintain a sensible workload and balanced lifestyle.

It is time to let go of the superwoman myth and focus on becoming the best version of ourselves through balance, self-awareness, and a support network that truly values our well-being.