The impact of the pandemic over the last couple of years has been most dramatic for women, who have long held the burden of increased stress from the mental/emotional workload and being primary caretakers in the family. Thus, many women have been propelled onto the fast track to burnout. 

It is impossible to separate our physical health from our emotional, mental, spiritual and energetic health. We know that stress and trauma have physiologic effects on our bodies and our overall health because a stress signal starts a cascade of hormone and neurotransmitter signals that turn on our “fight-or-flight” system to help make sure we survive; it’s wonderful that we have this protective system. The problem arises when we stay in this survival mode for too long. Over a prolonged period of time, these processes and reactions can cause imbalances in the body and lead to symptoms and expressions of sickness and dis-ease. 

When our bodies start to send us these symptoms, it is like the “check engine” light coming on in a car—a signal that things are out of balance and need some attention, care, rest and repair. Women are amazing, tough, resilient and very capable of pushing through and just making things happen. It is also true that we cannot pour from an empty cup. As we come out of the fog of the last few years, it is crucial that women take the time again to nurture, restore, repair and rest. Women are the backbone of our society, and we need them to be whole, healthy, well and vibrant. 

There is a lot of buzz about self-care, but that is so much more than a bubble bath or a pedicure. Self-care might look like going to bed early or saying no to that extra project. Maybe it’s setting boundaries in toxic relationships. It might be drinking more water, taking a day off or choosing more nourishing foods. It could involve making time for massage, acupuncture or energy work. Maybe it is just doing something that brings us joy, such as playing or having fun. 

Regardless of the ways one chooses to nurture, restore, repair and rest, it’s time to take back the reins and prioritize caring for ourselves first. 

Jacqueline Boone is a certified functional medicine nurse practitioner, Usui/Holy Fire reiki master, Holistic Pelvic Care and Holistic Pelvic Energy practitioner and the owner of RevHeal Wellness.