Modern women face considerable challenges trying to balance their careers and raising families. Even though times have changed and men are more actively participating in household chores and raising children, women still feel as though they’re under an extraordinary amount of pressure.
Furthermore, because media and society puts such a high value on beauty, images of youth and vitality continuously bombard the American public. This puts even more pressure on women to spend large amounts of money on beauty products and medical procedures. Overemphasis on weight loss programs and expensive beauty treatments often put a strain on women’s budgets.
As women in their 40’s experience significant changes in hormonal levels, the body starts the natural process of aging which brings about mood swings, hot flashes, irritability and fatigue. This process usually starts in the late 40’s but for some women, it starts earlier than that.
Many women take time in their 40’s to ask questions like: “What do I want to change about my life?” ” What do I want the rest of my life to look like?” It may be time to leave a job, start a new career or leave a dead-end relationship.
In my work, I have helped many women along the way. Here are some tips that helped me along the way:
Getting plenty of rest. It’s better to leave some things undone than to be exhausted. Exercising a minimum 3 times a week. If it’s impossible to get to the gym, walk around the block or rent a workout video instead of turning on TV. Drinking plenty of water. Coffee and tea actually dehydrate. Soda and juices (even natural ones) have large amounts of sugar. Expressing conflict in a non-blaming way. Talking with friends and writing in a journal are good ways to vent. Learning how to meditate or joining a local meditation group. Some of the local ashrams or Buddhist monasteries offer classes or guided meditation CDs (i.e., Louise Hay; Morning and Evening Meditations). Using daily vitamins and minerals. Focusing on positive perspectives instead of negative. Keeping a gratitude journal listing 3 things for which to be grateful is a good way to start the day.