Women Who Care

Whether by instinct or instillment the average woman's capacity for meeting the needs of those around her is wondrous to behold; so much so that often it seems our own contentment is found in the very act of nururing others. Yet in the flurry of all this caring . . . and doing . . . and fixing, we too often neglect our own need for a healthy body, mind and spirit, diminishing our own wellbeing in the process.

Neglecting our own needs in favor of caring for others greatly increases the level of stress in our lives. It is estimated that 75 - 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems, and women's rate of death due to heart disease (the number 1 health problem now linked to stress) equals that of men. We've come a long way, haven't we baby? From believing that we could have it all, to finding out that some of it we didn't want.

Statistics from a recent global stress research study show that increased stress is felt worldwide, and stress affects women differently than men. A recent Roper Starch Worldwide survey of 30,000 people between the ages of 13 and 65, in 30 countries showed:

• Women who work full time and have children under the age of 13 report the greatest stress worldwide
  Nearly one in four mothers who work full-time and have children under the age of 13 feel stress almost every day.
• Globally, 23% of women executives and professionals, and 19% of their male peers, say the feel “super stressed”.
• Numerous common health problems that are linked to stress include:
  The leading 6 causes of death in the U.S. -- heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide.
• Immune response and deficiency.
• Memory loss.
• Obesity

Women have always been the nurturers of the world, the healers of humanity and the teachers of new generations. Like the concentric rings from a pebble tossed into still water, one act of caring generates another, and you are at the center, the well from which others draw. Women who care must first care for themselves. You must cherish and honor your own wellbeing. Take time to replenish your own resources ~ draw from the well.

Integrating the steps of Self C.A.R.E into your daily living will result in a sense of joy, a feeling of fulfillment and the gift of wellbeing. Before you can take care of the world, you must first take care of yourself, and remember ~ selfish is not a four letter word.
Make sure you'll be there when they need you; give yourself and your loved ones the gift of Living Well today.