It’s time to blow this outdated idea to smithereens! Attaining perfect harmony just isn’t possible. And knowing that is the first step to more bliss, better health and greater success.
Like most women, my days are packed. I race from pre-school drop-off-to meetings, back to my desk to hit a writing deadline, then to a dinner or an event. I’m usually back at my laptop again at 9pm after I’ve wrestled/negotiated/ overpromised my four- and two-year-olds into bed. Or maybe I’ve convinced my husband that it’s his turn again (it isn’t) so I can finish the thing that’s been on my to-do list for four days and still isn’t done. This isn’t an “I’m so important” humblebrag. Most days, I’m just exhausted.
For the past two years, my life has been full to the brim as I’ve been working on my book, The Big Life, about the evolving values of young women seeking a new idea of how relationships and family fit together around their career ambitions. While researching it, I’ve met with hundreds of women from all kinds of backgrounds, most of them deeply anxious about this concept of “balance”.
My take: it’s all life all the time and all work all the time; the pieces don’t exist in a vacuum. And this search for work-life balance is leaving women hobbled with guilt and anxiety. Want some proof? In the Women’s Health –The Big Life survey of nearly 1 000 women, 43 percent said they feel they’ve achieved work life balance, yet 75 percent said they feel guilty about not successfully balancing work and life. Huh? Seems totally incongruous until you dig deeper and realise the upsetting truth: even when women think they’ve achieved the best possible balance they can, they still feel like it’s not good enough. (Did we mention that 72 percent said they feel either drained, exhausted or anxious at the end of the day?) Something is very off here.
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Irreconcilable Differences?
You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.
Hot And Bothered
Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.
Self-esteem under the microscope
The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.
the reset
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Mind Over Muscle
Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.
How To Be Decisive
You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.
Build A Strong Base
You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.
