Women are increasingly juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. From climbing the corporate ladder to managing households, it's no secret that working women wear many hats. While this adaptability and strength are admirable, they can also take a toll on mental health. 

The importance of nurturing your mental health as a working woman is crucial. Deborah Belle, a Boston psychologist, says, "A mother's morale and her emotional and mental health are her child's strength. It's vital that working moms take measures to protect their well-being."

3 Ways to nurture your mental health

Communicate with your employer

As a working woman, you're no stranger to the daily juggling act. Balancing a career, family, and personal life can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Speak to your employer about different flexible work options or job-sharing to help you manage the load. It's crucial to recognise that your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. Ignoring mental health can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression.

In this video titled  "How to ask your boss for flexibility", Phillipa Geard, Founder and CEO of RecruitMyMom gives practical advice on how to prepare for a discussion with your employer when asking for work flexibility. Flexibility can mean different things to different employers and understanding various flexibility options will help your discussion. 

Prioritise self-care

Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. This means taking time for a hobby you love, exercising, or simply pampering yourself with a relaxing bath. By prioritising self-care and your wellbeing, you're ensuring that you have the emotional reserves to meet your family and life's demands.

Making small changes to improve your wellness is not difficult. Do not set yourself unrealistic goals at the outset. Be kind to yourself and others. 

Seek support

You should not go through life's challenges alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist when you need to talk. Surround yourself with a support system that understands and validates your experiences. Don't be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s with your professional or personal responsibilities. Remember, it's not a sign of weakness to seek support; it's a sign of strength.

Karen Lowe of 4 Day Work Week talks honestly about how busy working moms can prevent burnout in this video. Everyone can feel overwhelmed at times, and your ability to sustain this is important to your mental health. 

Tackling the stigma of mental health

When gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympics gymnastics final last summer, she made sure the world knew why; she announced that she had decided to protect her mental health. Standing up publicly is exactly what the world needs to address the stigma around mental health. Simone brought mental health to the forefront of discussions globally.

Unfortunately, there's still a stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace. This stigma is more pronounced for working women who feel the pressure to find perfection in both their professional and personal lives. 

Tackling the stigma starts with you being able to communicate your need for help; and 
address it in your daily life, with your family, friends, colleagues, and employer. 

Normalise conversations on mental health

Start by normalising conversations about mental health. Share your experiences and challenges with trusted friends and colleagues. When you speak openly about your own mental health, it encourages others to do the same. Be a catalyst for change by breaking the silence.

Educate yourself and others

Knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against any sort of stigma. Educate yourself about mental health issues, and then share this knowledge with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage empathy and understanding by explaining that mental wellbeing is just as vital as physical wellbeing.

Lead by example

As a working woman, you have the opportunity to lead by example. Show that it's possible to excel in your career while prioritising mental health. When you take care of yourself, you're not only benefiting your own well-being but also challenging the notion that women must sacrifice their mental health for success.

Nurturing your mental health as a working woman is not a luxury; it's a necessity. By confronting the stigma surrounding mental health with compassion, you help create a more accepting and supportive environment for all women. Remember, you are strong, resilient, and deserving of a life that includes both success and mental well-being.

RecruitMyMom is an award-winning recruitment company that supports working mothers. We support women with children to continue their careers while integrating the essential role of mother. We work with employers who respect that our candidates are mothers.

Now that you are better equipped to nurture your mental health as a working mom, register on our award-winning recruitment site.