I desperately needed a relaxing getaway for myself. The constant stress, heavy workload, work-life balance struggles, and financial pressures were overwhelming. I felt like I was about to snap.
While sitting at a coffee shop, catching up on work, I overheard two women talking. To which other lady asked her friend, “What did your husband think about your much-needed break?” Her friend replied that he was supportive, but then she mumbled that she couldn’t go because who gonna then take care of her family, kids, and the fear of what others would think if they found out she was planning this.
This conversation made me realize that so many women feel this way. They crave “me time” but get bogged down by a constant internal dialogue of “should I, can I, I wish…” They overthink everything, ignoring their own needs even when their inner voice is screaming for a break. They’re always there for everyone else, but never for themselves.
I understand the societal expectations placed on women, especially in traditional settings. We’re taught to prioritize everyone else’s needs and desires, manage family schedules, and essentially forget about our own existence.
It’s heartbreaking to see women spend their lives cooking everyone else’s favorite meals, juggling emotions, health, and managing home then work schedules, alas forget herself in the process. I’m not criticizing these acts of service, but as a woman, I want to ask: when was the last time we took a break for ourselves? When did you last cook your favorite meal, do something you truly enjoy, and reconnect with that inner child who still craves your attention, presence, and time – preserved just for yourself.
We’re so good at projecting the image of a happy, multitasking superwoman who effortlessly manages everything. We even get praised for it. But beneath the over-caring, so-called “superwoman” smile, there are often many repressed emotions that take a toll on her health.
These repressions manifest in various ways, from hormonal imbalances and related conditions like PCOS and thyroid issues, to mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and even physical problems like gut issues, diabetes and heart palpitations.
It’s not easy being that “iron lady” who juggles all the expectations of family and society, especially with the added pressure of judgment from some groups of aunt who then tell us “Beta humare zamane mein toh aise hua karta tha”.
We do so much, and we deserve so much more. We need to prioritize self-love and self-care. Only then can we truly heal and help others with genuine passion. So my lovely ladies please indulge in activities that engage your senses, and take time to rest without worrying about what others might think. Their opinions are their problem, not yours.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your well-being. It’s about embracing who you are.
I would love to hear you what you think on this. Let’s make this community a more meaningful and positive space where we focus on discussions that truly matter to humanity and society.
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