Quit being the superwoman

Author: Janani Sampath

You wake up at dawn, complete all the chores, get your kids ready for school, and then get ready for work. After a grueling day at work, you return to complete all the chores, help your children complete their homework, and then call it a day. The next day, the same repeats.

The above sequence may seem like life in control. Everything is on track. That’s a superwoman doing it all, yo! Here she is multitasking and executing with perfection. However, for the woman, who is the protagonist or the superwoman, here is the issue— where is the care she needs for herself?

Taking up tasks and accomplishing them may seem like the ideal scenario. Experts opine that seeing yourself executing all roles to perfection should never be considered ideal. It is not ideal when it is at the cost of your well-being.

And, if you are wondering if you have superwoman syndrome, look for these signs:

  • Irritability
  • Profuse sweating without physical activity
  • Lack of sleep or excessive sleep
  • Memory issues
  • Lack of concentration
  • Aches and pains

Courtesy: Scripps

Now that you know what it looks like, what can you do about it?

Shun the cape: Yes, this is the imaginary accessory or the assumption that you have to be the multitasker who never refuses anything that comes your way.

Seek help:  When there is a lot on your plate, and if more tasks are seeking your attention, it is okay to delegate. It could be your spouse, friends, and colleagues, depending on the task. Reach out; ask for their help!

Give yourself ‘me time’: Seeking time for yourself may go against the image you have created for yourself as the provider. Taking care of yourself rejuvenates you to do the rest of the tasks better. It only improves productivity, makes you happier, and helps focus.

Learn to say ‘no’: It is difficult. No one wants to turn down requests for help, assistance, etc. Stretching yourself too thin adds to your stress levels.

No need to be perfect: Perfection is often elusive and imaginary. Instead, look at how best and most effective you can be at a task.

Set achievable targets: There are a lot of factors that determine how well you can perform— time, energy, urgency, etc. Work on targets according to what you have at your disposal.

Being a superwoman can wow others and help them more than you. Tell yourself often that the superwoman is not real.