It’s long been known that women are the cornerstone of caregiving in most families. But, according to a body of independent research of 1000 people commissioned by New Zealand beauty and wellness brand Embodyme, while they are busy looking after everyone else, it turns out, they’re largely neglecting themselves, which can impact mental and physical health. It also revealed that when they do prioritise themselves, they feel guilt.
The key findings on the research exposed the impact on wellbeing with the survey showing 8.5 out of ten women admit to neglecting their own personal wellbeing, and 82 percent of working women report they find it challenging to balance personal wellbeing with their paid and unpaid work. It found that 71 percent of women felt guilt when prioritising their self-care, and 42 percent of respondents said they rarely have time for exercise.
… the survey showing 8.5 out of ten women admit to neglecting their own personal wellbeing…
Embodyme founder Sarah Reid, a qualified health coach and wellness advocate, says it is important for society to recognise the disproportionate burden placed on women in balancing their own needs alongside those of others, to acknowledge its impact, and to advocate change in societal perceptions.
“As we were developing Embodyme, it became clear from talking with Kiwi women that many are struggling to engage in self-care due to lack of time, resources, and support. Women are very good at nurturing and caring for others — it’s instinctive. But who is looking after them?”
Well, we asked Reid as well as Kayla Gordine from Āwhina Wellness to give us five tips on how we can practise self-care ourselves:
5 tips to practise self care
1. Nurture yourself
Reid: Create a skincare routine that nurtures your entire body. Use this routine as an opportunity to be present, set an intention for how you want to feel, and speak to yourself with love and compassion. Our Nurturing Body Oils are a reminder to do just that.
2. Live consciously
Gordine: Carve a pocket of time for yourself every day, even just five minutes. First thing in the morning is best to significantly enhance your mental and emotional wellbeing. This could be as simple as prioritising a quiet hot drink in the morning. Mindfulness practices that stimulate our senses help reduce stress by being present, improving emotional resilience, and making it easier to handle daily challenges.
3. Move daily
Reid: Incorporate movement that you enjoy into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from your destination, or do a walking meeting.
4. Stress less
Gordine: As soon as you wake up, take three deep belly breaths through your nose. Follow these steps for an effective start to your day:
- Lie or sit comfortably. Ensure your back is straight to allow your lungs to expand fully.
- Place a hand on your abdomen. This helps you feel your belly rise and fall with each breath.
- Inhale deeply through your nose. Breathe in slowly for a count of four, filling your lungs completely and allowing your abdomen to rise.
- Hold the breath. Pause for a count of four.
- Exhale slowly through your nose. Release the breath for a count of six to eight, ensuring your abdomen falls as you exhale.
Repeat for three deep belly breaths to help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and setting a calm tone for the day. Practising this breathing regularly can improve lung capacity, enhance oxygen flow, and support overall respiratory health.
5. Sleep deep
Reid: Create a bedtime routine that helps you unwind. Have a cup of herbal tea, take a warm bath, apply our Peace Nurturing Body Oil, and hop into bed with a book.
