Self-Care as Social Change: Why Women’s Well-Being Matters
- Shannon Schulte
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the strength, leadership, and impact of women across generations. It is a time to reflect on all the progress we have made, but also on the effort of the women who came before us to create this change. Too often, women’s contributions, especially in helping professions, have come as a personal sacrifice, long hours, and the expectation to continue giving more, no matter the cost.
In many fields such as education, healthcare, and social work, women are at the heart of care. It is women who uplift others, hold things together, and put out the many fires that happen in our day-to-day professional lives. We then go home not to rest but to first take care of our children, families, and the never-ending to-do list. The constant need to keep giving more to others can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and limited time to rest and take care of ourselves.
Self-care can sometimes be looked at as selfish or an optional luxury instead of a need that we all have. Self-care, especially for those in helping roles, is needed for long-term sustainability. If we are not taking care of ourselves, it is impossible to keep taking care of others at the level that we do without overextending ourselves. When we feel rested, supported, and valued as people, we can better strengthen our families, organizations, and communities.
Self-care does not have to mean long vacations or spa days. Small moments of rest and intention can support well-being over time. The self-care ideas below are simple practices that can fit into busy schedules and everyday life.
Eat at least one meal without multitasking - too often we work through our lunches, checking emails or scheduling appointments.
Log off when your work day ends - the emails will still be there tomorrow.
Do not bring home work with you.
Sit in your car for a few minutes before entering your destination.
Step outside for 5-10 minutes to get some fresh air.
Go for a walk.
Get some exercise - yoga & pilates are my personal favorite ways to show myself some self-care.
Journaling for a few minutes a day or even a week.
Watch a show or movie by yourself, uninterrupted.
Read a book.
Listen to your favorite music.
Do something creative - play an instrument, draw, or dance.
Grab dinner with friends.
Get your nails or hair done.
Practice deep breathing.
Talk with a friend, mentor, or social worker.
Praise yourself for what you do well.
As we honor Women’s History Month, we must also honor women’s well-being because caring for ourselves is one of the best ways we can ensure this work, and our impact, can continue.
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