Feeling Overwhelmed? Strategies for Managing a Busy Life
January 12, 2020
By: Mary Ann Boyer
Categories: Mental and Behavioral Health
Increasing numbers of women are finding it more and more difficult to achieve a healthier life balance. Juggling a family and a career, while still finding time for social activities and personal time, often means all but the most important things get pushed aside. Women, or the women in your life, may feel that managing it all is a daunting task.
Hectic schedules can lead to minor inconveniences such as missed meals, or more serious issues such as stress and fatigue. All these things can negatively impact a woman’s health. Additionally, health screenings such as mammograms and pap smears often become less of a priority when your to-do list becomes unmanageable.
Research shows more women feel they are too busy with work or family commitments to see their doctor, even when they are not feeling well. It’s important to take care of yourself first, if you are to be the best person possible for the people in your life.
To avoid feeling stressed, broken and not in control of your life, take charge and make some changes. Here are few tips that can go a long way in helping you regain that treasured sense of balance:
- Strive to live a healthier lifestyle through proper nutrition, engaging in regular exercise and getting enough sleep. This will give you the extra energy you need to tackle life’s daily challenges.
- Renew yourself by scheduling downtime. Your mind and body need an opportunity to re-energize. The practice of mindfulness — staying in the moment and not worrying about the past or future — is helpful for many.
- Avoid blurring the boundaries between work and home. In our always-connected world, this can be difficult. However, women who achieve this separation tend to do better in both areas.
- Make a plan for the upcoming day or week. This will give you a sense of structure and direction. If necessary, write down, or use a planning tool, to enter your tasks and goals.
- Be realistic about the things you can and can’t do. There are only so many hours in a day and many women overschedule.
- Learn to say “no” to those demands that don’t align with your goals.
Even though you may have a lot going on in your life, it’s still important to remember that having a primary care physician (PCP) who can coordinate your care is vital to your good health. If you don’t have a PCP, finding one is easy. Just visit your insurance carrier’s website, look for the “find a doctor” area and follow the instructions.
Mercy Health is committed to helping you live a healthy life by nurturing well-being through body, mind and spirit.