Why Women Often Struggle to Prioritise Their Own Well-Being
How often do you put your needs on the back burner, convinced that you’ll make time for yourself later? For many women, the answer is "too often." Between the demands of work, family, and social obligations, women are often conditioned to take care of everyone else before caring for themselves. But over time, this leads to burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion.
The challenge of prioritising well-being is rooted in societal expectations, guilt, and the constant pressure to "do it all." Yet, the reality is that without taking care of yourself, you can’t fully show up for the people or responsibilities in your life. If you’ve been struggling to prioritise your own well-being, it’s time to examine why—and how to make a change.
Why Do Women Struggle to Put Themselves First?
There are several reasons why women find it hard to prioritise their own well-being. These include:
Societal pressure: Women are often expected to be caregivers, both at home and in the workplace. There’s a cultural expectation that women should always put others’ needs before their own, making self-care seem like a luxury rather than a necessity.
Guilt: Many women feel guilty when they take time for themselves, believing they should be doing more for their family, career, or community. This guilt can prevent them from engaging in self-care, even when it’s desperately needed.
Perfectionism: The desire to be perfect in all areas of life can lead women to overextend themselves, believing that they must meet everyone’s expectations. Whether it's striving to be the perfect mother, employee, or friend, perfectionism creates an endless cycle of doing more while neglecting your own needs.
Fear of judgement: Women may worry that others will judge them for taking time for themselves. This fear can be especially strong in environments where self-sacrifice is praised or expected.
The result of all these factors? Burnout, stress, and a gradual disconnect from what brings you joy and fulfilment. But the truth is, prioritising your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to care for others and handle the challenges life throws your way. If you’re struggling with feelings of guilt or shame around self-care, it may be helpful to explore our article on overcoming guilt and shame.
How to Start Prioritising Your Well-Being
If you’ve been putting yourself last, it’s time to take small steps toward prioritising your own health and happiness. Here are a few ways to begin:
Reframe self-care as necessary, not optional: The first step is to shift your mindset. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a vital part of maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional health. By caring for yourself, you’re ensuring that you can continue to show up for the people and responsibilities in your life without burning out.
Set boundaries: One of the most powerful ways to protect your well-being is by setting boundaries. Whether it’s saying no to additional responsibilities at work or carving out time for yourself at home, boundaries create the space you need to recharge. Learn more about setting healthy boundaries to protect your time and energy.
Delegate and ask for help: You don’t have to do everything on your own. Whether it’s delegating tasks at work, getting help with household responsibilities, or reaching out to friends and family, asking for support can free up time and energy for self-care.
Incorporate small acts of self-care into your routine: Self-care doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to read, meditate, or enjoy a cup of tea in peace. These small moments of self-care can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. For more ideas, explore practical ways to make time for self-care.
Let go of perfectionism: No one can do everything perfectly all the time. Letting go of the need to be perfect in all areas of life can reduce the pressure you place on yourself and allow you to focus on what truly matters.
The Benefits of Prioritising Yourself
When you make the choice to prioritise your well-being, you’ll notice improvements in many areas of your life. You’ll have more energy, better emotional resilience, and a stronger ability to manage stress. Taking care of yourself also allows you to be more present and engaged in your relationships, work, and personal pursuits.
It’s time to break the cycle of self-neglect and start putting yourself first. By doing so, you’ll not only improve your own well-being, but you’ll also be better equipped to care for the people and responsibilities that matter most to you.
If you’re ready to start prioritising your well-being but don’t know where to begin, book a time to chat with Chat It Out. Together, we can explore personalised strategies to help you reclaim your time, energy, and happiness.
