Happy International Women’s Month 2023! Being a woman is nothing less than a superpower. Every year, March 8 is observed as International Women’s Day to commemorate the cultural, political, and socio-economic achievements of women. In addition, March marks the start of Women’s History Month around the world. It begins March 1 and ends March 31.

“Women are leaders everywhere you look—from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes.” —Nancy Pelosi.

‘Embrace Equality’ is the theme for International Women’s Month this year. Women’s Month aims to convey the message of gender equality, honor women’s accomplishments and contributions in various fields, and work for a society free of gender biases, stereotypes, gender parity, and discrimination. On this day, people honor the women in their lives who are strong, intelligent, talented, and simply extraordinary.

Women and men are affected differently by mental illnesses. Depression and anxiety, for example, are more common in women. There are also specific forms of illnesses that are peculiar to women. For example, some women may develop symptoms of mental disorders such as prenatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopause-related sadness during periods of hormonal shifts. Women and Mental Health are two vast dimensions that need clarity.

According to WHO, 1 in every 5 women experiences some sort of mental illness. Due to too many duties on several fronts, gender discrimination, domestic violence, and a slew of other causes, females are more sensitive to mental health difficulties. Worse, they may be afraid of being judged and insensitive if they seek assistance.

Here are some tips for every woman to take care of her mental health.

1. Self-care is not selfish

Self-care is accepting personal responsibility for one’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is proactive rather than selfish. Nonetheless, the idea of prioritizing self-care is divisive. No one else will take care of you if you do not take care of yourself. So, self-care is far from selfish. When women don’t prioritize self-care, they can feel like they’re victims of something bigger than themselves, trapped in a cycle of limits and limitations. Women are unable to enjoy rich and happy lives as a result of this.

women's history month
women’s history month

2. Be your own best friend

What if you treated yourself like you would your best friend? You’d probably be more aware of your needs, issues, and goals. You would treat yourself as generously as you treat others. You’d value and respect your health and well-being. You’d put everything else aside to be your own best buddy. Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for your family and friends. You may begin now by being a wonderful friend to yourself!

3. “Me” time

Spending meaningful time with yourself is far from lonely. The rest of the world can keep spinning while you rest, recharge, and regroup when you spend time alone. Sitting quietly outside, reading a book in the park, or sitting in your favorite comfortable chair with a cup of tea (having a favorite comfortable chair is crucial!) are all good ways to spend time alone.

4. Create a welcoming environment

Take a look around. Do your surroundings inspire you, or do they make you feel tense and chaotic? Clear the clutter of the things that drain you to create a helpful environment. Make your home, car, or business clutter-free. Remove clutter from relationships as well, especially one-sided interactions. Look for a companion that wants to change their life for the better as well. The support will be powerful for both of you, as well as a role model for others. It will also assist you in balancing your numerous roles as a woman.

5. NO means NO

How many times have you replied “yes,” “certainly,” or “no problem” in response to a request only to later regret it? Have you ever invested your time, energy, or money in a project while having little or no desire to participate? Saying no is a talent, and it’s a crucial self-care practice that may boost your self-esteem and liberate your inner strength. A woman’s no means no, it does not mean convince me or yes.

women's history month
women’s history month

6. Rewrite your routine

Begin by incorporating your own priorities into your daily routine. Allow others’ priorities on your calendar once your own priorities have been met. These changes may be seen by others in your life. Tell them about your plan and why you need to take care of yourself. They’ll see the benefits of self-care in your attitude and approach to life, as well as the immediate benefit of being in a relationship with someone who is more balanced!

7. Be grateful, gorgeous

Practicing gratitude regularly, even if it’s only for a few minutes, has more benefits than you might think. Gratitude as a form of self-care has social advantages as well. Having a gratitude-focused morning and evening practice is a fantastic method to increase your self-esteem. To get started, all you need is a diary. Write down three things for which you are grateful every morning and every night before you go to bed. It’s a beautiful way to respect yourself and your life. It’s also the ideal opportunity to express gratitude to your body, mind, soul, and the world.

Women can do anything in the world. Women should always celebrate their unique selves every day. One day is not enough to celebrate what women can do and bring to the table.

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” – Nora Ephron

To every woman in every corner of the world, you are loved, you are unique, and you are simply out of the world. Happy International Women’s History Month!