Written by Ana Salido, Life Coach & Mentor
Ana is a passionate and dedicated mentor and life coach, and she advocated for women's empowerment. With over 8 years of experience in the field, she has helped countless women reconnect with themselves, achieve their goals, and cultivate fulfilling relationships.
It’s 10 p.m. The kids are finally asleep, the work emails have (hopefully) stopped, and you’re staring at the laundry pile you meant to fold hours ago. You’re physically there, but mentally, you feel like you’re running on empty, barely getting through each day.
In today’s fast-paced world, women are expected to juggle so many roles: dedicated mother, supportive partner, career woman, loyal friend.
And often, our needs are put last, or worse, forgotten.
But here’s what science tells us: neglecting your own well-being is not just unhealthy, it’s counterproductive.
Prioritising yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for your physical, emotional, and mental health.
The hidden costs of always putting yourself last
Studies have shown that chronic stress from being stretched too thin takes a massive toll on our bodies and minds. Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that women who consistently put others’ needs ahead of their own have a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments like high blood pressure and heart disease.
In fact, a Harvard Business Review article found that women experiencing burnout were 63% more likely to take extended leave from work due to health concerns. A sobering number: a 2022 survey revealed that 77% of working women felt so overwhelmed by their responsibilities that they worried about their ability to maintain their mental well-being.
So, that self-care matters; it’s not just about “feeling better.”
It’s about long-term health, longevity, and your ability to thrive in every role you play.
Why prioritising yourself can make you better mom at everything
It’s easy to buy into the cultural myth that being selfless is synonymous with being a good woman.
But neuroscience has some insights that flip this thinking on its head.
When you’re stressed and overwhelmed, your brain goes into survival mode. The prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for decision-making, patience, and problem-solving, shuts down.
This is why, when you’re exhausted, you find yourself snapping at your kids or feeling disconnected from your partner.
Conversely, prioritising yourself helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system), which boosts your ability to stay calm, focused, and present.
According to ay from the American Psychological Association, regular self-care activities, like setting boundaries and practicing mindfulness, significantly reduce the physiological markers of stress.
When you feel balanced, gauge more positively and meaningfully in your relationships and roles.
Here’s the real-life impact of taking care of yourself
Imagine what it feels like to be patient with your children because your mind isn’t foggy with exhaustion. Or being a partner who can give genuine love and support because you’ve given yourself time to recharge. Your relationships deepen, your work performance improves, and, quite simply, you enjoy your life more.
The ripple effect is undeniable.
When you invest in your own well-being, everyone around you benefits.
And this isn’t just motivational fluff, and it’s backed by hard science.
Introducing the modern woman: Where self-care meets transformation
If you’re nodding along and thinking, “But I’ve tried self-care, and it didn’t stick,” I get it.
The problem is, many wellness programs are superficial, offering temporary relief but no real change.
That’s why I created The Modern Woman: a four-week experience designed to address your mindset, energy, and inner narrative in a meaningful way.
Here’s what we’ll dive into
Rewiring your inner beliefs with neuroscience: We’ll explore how years of conditioning have wired your brain for people-pleasing and how to reverse this with proven techniques. Did you know that simply reframing your thoughts can decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) levels by up to 23%, according to Stanford University research? You’ll learn how to become your biggest advocate, not your harshest critic.
Mastering the art of bound: A study in psychological science found that people who regularly set boundaries reported higher happiness levels and lower rates of burnout. We’ll teach you how to say “no” in a way that is tempering and how to make room for your own needs without guilt. It’s about protecting your energy so you can be the best version of yourself.
Practical self-care that sticks: You’ll develop a self-care routine that fits into your life and sustains you. We focus on habits rooted in positive psychology, like gratitude journaling and intentional movement, which studies have shown can improve mood by 30% and boost focus. We’ll make self-care feel less like a chore and a more natural, nourishing part of your day.
Creating a life that feels like yours again: Using goal-setting strategies backed by research from the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, we’ll work on reconnecting with your passions. This is about rediscovering the parts of you that got buried under the demands of life.
It’s time to break the cycle of exhaustion and thrive
We aren’t selfish. It’s the first step to creating a ripple effect of positivity, health, and deep connection in your life.
When you are well, everyone around you benefits.
You show your children that self-respect is crucial. You give your relationships the energy and love they deserve. And most importantly, you rediscover your happiness, not just for others, but for you.
Are you ready to finally feel like yourself again? To be a mom and a woman who loves her life, feels strong and capable, and truly enjoys the roles she’s in?
The Modern Woman program is here to help you break free from burnout and step into a life where you thrive.
Contact me by email here.
Read more from Ana Salido
Ana Salido, Life Coach & Mentor
Ana is a passionate and dedicated mentor and life coach, and she advocated for women's empowerment. With over 8 years of experience in the field, she has helped countless women reconnect with themselves, achieve their goals, and cultivate fulfilling relationships.
Driven by her journey of self-discovery and personal growth, Ana is deeply committed to guiding women on their path to self-love, authenticity and empowerment.
Known for her warmth, compassion and unwavering support, Ana creates a safe and nurturing space for women to explore their innermost desires, confront their fears and step into their full potential.
Sources:
Harvard Business Review: How Burnout Affects Women
2022 Mental Health and Women’s Study
Stanford University Research on Stress and Brain Function
American Psychological Association: Self-Care and Stress Reduction
Stanford University Research on Cortisol and Reframing
Psychological Science: Boundaries and Happiness Study
Positive Psychology Research on Mood and Focus
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine: Goal-Setting and Well-Being
