THRIVE: THE ULTIMATE SELF-CARE GUIDE FOR FEMALE PROFESSIONALS

Being a female professional in the world today requires passion, grace, grit and the strength to avoid tipping the scales. As women, we are caught between building businesses, climbing professional ladders, serving as nurturers and bringing balance within the family unit or society. In this seemingly unending quest to live a life of purpose, we tend to ignore the most important aspect of our life; Health and Wellness.

Currently, about one out of every five women battle anxiety and depression. There is also significant rise in of terminal illness in women. These mental and physical health disorders are invariably linked to stress, hormonal changes, birthing, financial issues, unhealthy meals, concerns for safety, unequal educational and financial opportunities, access to services and even abuse of sorts.

This begs for us to uphold this notion; Thrive.

So, what comes to mind when you read, think or say “Thrive”?

Merriam Webster Dictionary describes this word as “flourishing or growing vigorously”. One can truly resonate with this meaning because it reminds us of a healthy-looking tree in a park that has its roots connected to the source of nourishment. Such trees will not only bear fruit but also provide a beautiful shade where unforgettable joyful memories are made.

Thriving as a woman is not an option but a necessity to enjoy healthy and productive lives. Our mental and physical health should be the optimal goal in goal towards impactful living.

Here are 8 self-care tips to adopt today for female professionals to thrive:
 

1. Eat Healthy
As working professionals, it is very easy to be caught in the cycle of consuming caffeinated drinks and unhealthy snacks just to meet timed deadlines and this often leads to mental and physical stress.
 
Always prioritize having a balanced diet. Specifically go for natural food produce like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain, lean proteins and healthy fats which nourish the body and mind. You can quickly make a lunch pack of fresh juice and healthy snacks right before heading out or you get food from specific healthy food shops.
 
2. Exercise
Working out early in the morning has a way of making you stay sharp and proactive for the rest of the day. You can take a brisk walk, run, lift weights or do stretches. Other options for weekends are dance workouts or taking long evening strolls. Exercising helps you maintain a healthy weight, improves sleep, reduces the risk of heart diseases, manages blood sugar and generally improves your mental and physical wellbeing.
 
3. Take Screen Time Breaks
In era of technology, undertaking work or business requires being on your laptop or phones. While this is a welcome development in the world of work, it also has lingering effects like brain fog, eyesight issues, migraines and even swollen feet from sitting too long at your work desk
Therefore, always take a 5-minute break off screen per hour. Take a quick walk around and look away from your screen.  
 
4. Delegate Tasks
Micromanaging is the fastest way to experiencing burnout. You can’t do every task, especially when juggling between nurturing a family and running a successful business. Employ someone who can do tasks like responding to customers via calls or emails, accounting or inventory checks. This helps you have the mental space to be more strategic and efficient in executing work.
 
5. Regular Health Checks
As we know “Health is wealth”.
Health checks like full blood work, abdominal and pelvic scans, cervical swap tests, mammograms are important for us as women. This keeps you on track of knowing if you have a clean bill of health or early detection and treatment of any underlying illnesses.
Mental health checks are crucial too. You can see a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist as the case maybe if you seem stressed or burnt out. Always remember that your mental health treatment is nothing to be ashamed of but an opportunity for you to live healthier and peacefully.
 
6. Get Adequate Sleep
We require about 7 to 8 hours of sleep to perform optimally.
It is understandable that there is so much to do, and 24 hours daily is never enough to complete all set tasks. However, think of what could happen if you get a burnout from not getting enough sleep.
The best way to get a good amount of sleep is to schedule your sleep time. Turn put your phone on timeout and finish all nighttime tasks just before you go to bed. You could go to sleep at 9pm or 10pm and begin the next day at 5.am.
 
7. Set Boundaries
“No” is not a bad word if used correctly. Learn to say no gracefully especially if what is required will disrupt your physical and mental wellbeing. If you have to say “Yes”, then make sure that it falls in line with your schedule and allocate a specific timeframe to the task. Ladies, protect your energy and time.
 
8. Be Part of a Support Group
I am excited to say, “Welcome to Boss Babes”.
Support groups like Boss Babes not only help you become a better professional but also supports you being a wholesome woman. Being a part of support group is an opportunity for you to learn to navigate the business space, collaborate, share challenges, get real-time solutions/support, acquire validated paid services and sometimes funding for your business to thrive.
 
 
Conclusion
Women are the beautiful incubators of this world.
We birth nations, dreams and timelines since the existence of man.
We are meant to thrive.
You are meant to thrive.
Thrive!