Here is a recent article that I wrote for Secrets in the garden website .
3 Essential Tips for Women on the Go
Women are amazing. When we look at all the things that women can and do achieve on a daily basis around the world, it is truly inspirational. Juggling family, friends, children, careers, managing a business, caring for elderly parents and everyday responsibilities. However the natural feminine qualities of nurturing and caring for others can also cause health problems, as many women don’t allow time to take care of themselves.
It was my strong desire to empower women to improve their health, that lead me to write the “Women’s Secret Handbook to Stress Relief”. In this e-book, I outline six simple steps to managing stress. The key element in achieving this is to create the personal space necessary to reflect upon your stressors and what is required to deal with them. Why? So you can enjoy and grow in the areas of life where you find meaning and purpose.
Often we go through life feeling well, enjoying our family, friends and work. However, over the years, the pressures of a busy and stressful life can reach boiling point. This can also happen suddenly, due to the occurrence of a single, or small number of significant life events. However we get there, the impact on us can’t be ignored.
The first signs of health problems often show up as physical symptoms. It may manifest as exhaustion, lack of motivation, less enjoyment, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety or not getting a good night sleep. Stress not only affects our physical health, but also our emotions, and our energetic state. It follows, that to effectively restore our health and wellbeing, we must deal with the stressors in our lives and manage stress in the longer term.
Here are 3 tips that could improve your ability to deal with the stress and pressure of work and everyday life; and assist you through transitional periods of your life. They are easy, effective and may inspire you to take action.
1. Physically nourish your body
Nourishing herbs and nutrition can support your ability to respond to stress, improve stamina and energy, and calm your nervous system.
When experiencing stress, it is common to use up nutrients at a very fast rate, so it is crucial to increase nutritious food during these times. Often this is not enough however, and you may also need to take nutritional supplements and herbs, especially if you are not improving with food alone. Herbs are invaluable to optimise the body’s organs and systems, which require support during times of stress. See a health practitioner to identify your specific needs.
It is essential that you always seek advice from a Health Professional before you make any changes.
2. Create the space to BE
Give yourself permission to take time out to nurture yourself, without any guilt, judgement or negative self-talk.
Unfortunately for many of us, taking time out for ourselves is often viewed as being selfish. Overcoming societal conditioning and our family’s deep-rooted belief systems is often the hardest step. However it is well worth pushing through the fear and discomfort to reap the rewards gained from allowing the space for healing and wellbeing.
To effectively work through the many issues that are affecting us does take time – time to remove ourselves from the day-to-day pressures; time to reflect deeply upon our lives; and time to take positive actions for the better. Start right now, take out you calendar or diary and book in 2 hours for yourself next week. Be gentle with yourself and take one step at a time.
3. Identify your stressors and ask for help
Think about what support you may need in relation to the particular type of stress you are feeling. Is your stress in relation to emotions, work, health, poor lifestyle choices, finances or relationships?
The great news is that many of the factors that contribute to the total stress load are within your control. Identify those stress factors that you can reduce and take positive action to change what you can. For those stressors that you can’t change, you still have the power to change your perception of them.
“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” Saint Francis of Assisi
Women have amazing resilience and ability to bounce back. Often women only need a little bit of assistance to get them through the challenging times. Women also have great support networks, so ask for and accept help from others or delegate (it may only be needed for a short period of time). If you are feeling too proud to accept help, imagine what you would do if a friend asked you for help. I bet you would jump in and help in any way you could.
Here are some ideas of what to ask for or jobs to delegate:
- Nutritious home cooked meals
- Babysitting, while you go to an appointment or exercise class
- Organise a catch up and having a laugh together
- Hire a cleaner
Remember: one step at a time and be kind and gentle with yourself.
To go a little deeper join us for “Stress Less – Love More The secret to feeling calm and energised 6 week online course. Starts on Monday 11th May, 2020. It is designed to support you and integrate new daily tools, techniques and meditations that allows you to feel calm and energised.
Go deeper with the online course
It is important to check with a health professional and your doctor before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle.
