Say NO to the Superwoman Syndrome

Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should…

May is mental health awareness month and it’s a good time to pause and reflect on the mental challenges that affect our well-being. One of those challenges is the Superwoman Syndrome.

Women today wear different hats and play different roles like moms, wives, doctors, counselors, house keepers, managers, business owners, aunties, grandmothers, daughters, to mention but a few. We usually find ourselves overstretching and trying to be everything to everybody. To add to it, we neglect our emotional, physiological, and mental wellbeing.

“Superwoman Syndrome” would have us believe that anytime there is an issue, we can swoop in and “save the day.” It says that we who sit in seats of power and happen to be women have been equipped to deal with any and all situations that come our way.   We have to show up (immaculately dressed and perfectly poised).

We have to encourage, be nurturing, bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, serve it, and clean up afterward. We have to ensure that our “crowns” don’t slip, our patients and offices don’t suffer, and our families appear well-rounded.

Superwoman syndrome would have us believe that our worlds would crumble without our “superpower”. It would have us believe that our bodies are indestructible and that we are the only ones people can turn to in crises.

So, we should sacrifice our own mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for the sake of the many.  We end up trying to do too much between work, family and extracurricular activities while ignoring our own self-care needs. This can make us feel very disempowered.

Below are four ways you can overcome Superwoman Syndrome, and Prevent Burnout:

1. Say No To Responsibility Overload

One way to overcome the superwoman syndrome and prevent burnout is to say no when you feel your workload/ schedule is at the maximum. A Lot of women are people pleasers who cannot say no because they fear rejection and feel others will perceive them as bad people.

However, you cannot be everything to everybody. Saying no does not make you a bad person. Learn how to say no in a friendly and assertive way so you can overcome the superwoman syndrome and prevent burnout.

2. Say Yes To Help/Delegation

Women with the superwoman syndrome have a hard time accepting help. They feel others will see them as weak if they accept help. In order to overcome the superwoman syndrome and prevent burnout, learn to delegate some of your responsibilities and say yes when help comes your way.

Don’t try to do everything by yourself. Learn to delegate what is possible and know that delegating some of your responsibility when you have too much on your plate does not make you a lazy or weak person.

3. Consciously And Consistently Make Time For Self-Care

Self care is one of the most important things you can invest in yourself as a woman. I’m not just talking about getting your nails done or getting your hair done. I’m talking about consistently taking time to refuel yourself.

Just as you will charge your phone when the battery is low, you have to recharge from time to time so you don’t totally shut down. Remember also that you cannot pour out of an empty cup. You cannot give out your best if you are empty.

You need to identify activities and people that fill you up. It could be meditation, taking naps, a relaxing hobby, taking a walk, listening to a podcast, or attending an Optometry Divas event. Establishing a strategic refueling plan and consistently using it will go a long way to help you overcome the superwoman syndrome and prevent burnout.

4. Let Go Of Perfectionism

You need to change your perfectionist mindset so you can overcome the superwoman syndrome and prevent burnout. Know that no one is perfect. Every human being on earth has their unique set of skills and abilities, limitations, and assets.

Trying to be perfect in everything will only drown you in poor self-esteem and life dissatisfaction. Just operate with the idea of putting in your best and seeking help from people who can help with what you cannot do.

If you would like to learn more ways you can overcome superwoman syndrome and prevent burnout, I urge you to come to one of our upcoming events. Our promise is to create a safe place for you to get empowered, connected and promoted. Click HERE to find an event near you.