The Business of Self-Care: A Therapist’s Perspective on Empowering Women Leaders

As individuals begin advancing in their careers, they are often met with a number of pressures and personal challenges they need to overcome. However, for women leaders, these pressures are often magnified by a number of external factors.

The ongoing narrative of the “Superwoman” – the woman who effortlessly balances career, family, and personal life – can be both inspiring and also potentially damaging to female leaders. This, along with certain cultural stigmas or biases, can often lead to women feeling overwhelmed and inadequate in the workplace. 

Debunking the Myth of the Superwoman

While a woman’s inner and outer strength should never be contested, there is something known as the “Superwoman” ideal that takes that reasoning to a much higher, and many times, unhealthy level. This ideal is typically perpetuated by social media or society to express that women are capable of tackling all sorts of pressures in life while still staying happy and healthy.

Although, at first, the idea of being a superwoman can be inspiring and a testament to the fact that women are no different than men when it comes to reaching their potential and achieving what they want out of life, it can have some unreasonable connotations. 

When there is relentless pressure to live up to this new standard in life, it can quickly begin to trigger a number of negative consequences. Many of these consequences are psychological and physiological in nature, creating an unhealthy amount of pressure on both the body and mind.

When you have the constant feeling like you always need to be “on,” it can quickly drain you from your much-needed energy. This can leave you with a never-ending feeling of being physically exhausted and emotionally drained. This creates a vicious cycle of never having the ability to reset and unwind, allowing stress and anxiety to mount, which only feeds into your already high level of exhaustion.

Another common trait of women trying to live up to the superwoman ideal is the feeling of being constantly inadequate or even disconnected from their true selves. However, establishing healthy boundaries between work, family, and personal life is critical when ensuring women are capable of remaining present and empowered in all aspects of their lives.

Self-Care as a Leadership Strategy

There are many misconceptions when it comes to the concept of self-care. While some may feel like it’s just another word for “laziness,” others view it as a form of selfishness. This belief couldn’t be more unfounded.

The reality is, self-care is a necessity in life that all of us need. It gives us the ability to give more of ourselves into our work and personal lives without robbing ourselves of our well-being. That being said, when we don’t make self-care a priority, we can quickly find ourselves burned out, resentful, and even depressed.

When it comes to being an effective leader, self-care has an important place. Below are some common self-care practices that women leaders can incorporate into their own routines:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into a daily work routine can be a great way for leaders to be more calm and focused in their work. This helps leaders to better manage their stress and have better clarity when they tackle complicated projects or deal with sensitive employee situations. 

Physical Activity

Exercising regularly can be beneficial for more than just maintaining our physical health – it’s also an important part of improving cognitive functioning. When you exercise, you release endorphins in your body that help to make you feel good and improve your mood. It can also be a great way to give yourself a boost of energy, helping you stay productive throughout the day.

Prioritizing Sleep

Missing out on sleep can lead to a number of issues for business leaders. Getting enough sleep is critical to keeping our brains functioning properly and regulating our emotions. It’s important to prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support better decision-making and improved judgment.

Healthy Eating

Fueling the body with nutritious foods is an investment in leadership performance. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides sustained energy levels throughout the day, improving focus and concentration. Leaders who prioritize healthy eating also experience better mood regulation and increased resilience to stress.

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Women Leaders

While leadership presents challenges for all individuals, women in leadership roles often face additional pressures and obstacles due to persistent societal expectations and gender biases. These challenges can come up in various ways, and it’s important to find practical ways to deal with them.

• Building a Support Network: Work at creating a dependable network of peers and mentors who can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout your career. Spend time connecting with other women in leadership roles who can offer perspective and helpful advice while understanding the unique challenges you experience.
• Seeking Professional Guidance: Therapists and coaches specializing in women’s leadership development can provide valuable tools and strategies for navigating these unique challenges. They can help women develop self-advocacy skills, build resilience, and create a personalized plan for success.
• Advocating for Change: Women leaders can play a crucial role in advocating for workplace policies that support a better work-life balance. By speaking up and pushing for change when needed, you can help create a more equitable and supportive environment for yourself and future generations of women leaders.
• Celebrating Achievements: Don’t forget to stop and take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your own accomplishments. Sharing successes with your mentors, therapists, or work colleagues reinforces a sense of accomplishment and can be a great source of empowerment over time.

Get the Self-Care You Need to Thrive

It’s important to remember that the concept of self-care for women in leadership is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. By embracing self-care as a strategic advantage and addressing the unique challenges faced by women leaders, we pave the way for more empowered, authentic, and sustainable leadership in businesses.