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There is a lot of pressure on women to be successful at work, look after children, manage household affairs, exercise, and, of course, make it all look like a breeze. The expectations surrounding all of these roles can have a significant impact on women’s mental health as they struggle to maintain a work-life balance.

Research has shown that women who are raising children as well as working full-time report the highest amount of time pressure(1), whilst 40% of Australian women have been professionally diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Being easily annoyed or distracted, worrying excessively about different things, and trouble with sleeping are common mental health issues that over half of Australian women struggle with on a daily basis. So how can you manage a busy lifestyle without it affecting your mental health?(2)

Take five minutes to meditate

Whether first thing in the morning before you begin the day, having a break at work, or as a way to wind down, having five minutes to yourself can help reduce stress. Find somewhere quiet and comfortable, breath slowly and deeply, and clear your mind to improve concentration and reduce anxiety.

Ignore your phone

Smartphones have many benefits, but always being contactable can lead to increased stress as texts and emails vie for your attention. Try switching off your phone in the evening or remove email and app alerts to remove the temptation to ‘just have a look’. Some people feel that removing electronic devices from their bedroom also helps improve restfulness and getting a good night’s sleep.

Drink more water

One simple trick that can be an easy change to make is drinking more water. Dehydration can lead to headaches, poor concentration, and fatigue, so taking the time to have a break and swap a cup of coffee for water can help combat stress and make you feel more alert.

Positive mental health is integral to a healthy, happy life. By taking some time each day to remove distractions and focus on yourself, this can be a good step towards managing stress in a busy lifestyle.

Source
(1) https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/16814/34907_1.pdf%3Bsequence=1
(2) https://jeanhailes.org.au/survey2017/