National Wellness Month: Common Themes/Barriers to Well-Being

Hey Village! It’s National Wellness Month. The focus for this month is to promote healthy habits and lifestyle choices.

In a world brimming with activities and obligations, both personal and professional, and a strong sense of community, we generously give our time and energy to support others and improve our communities. However, in the relentless pursuit of pleasing everyone, we frequently fail to prioritize our own well-being. It’s time to challenge this pattern and acknowledge that by nurturing ourselves, we empower ourselves to be more effective and present for everyone else.

When it comes to neglecting our own well-being, you are not alone. According to Psychology Today, two in three people, in America, do not practice self-care and only 39% of men say they consistently make time for it, while 32% of women do. What factors, both within and beyond our control, impede our ability to engage in self-care? Let’s talk about it!

Here are some Common Themes and Barriers to Managing our Well-Being:

Time Constraints

Oftentimes, we may feel stretched thin, swamped, or overwhelmed by demanding schedules and responsibilities, which can impact our ability to prioritize well-being. It can be challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance which affects our energy levels and concentration. So, it is important for us to prioritize time for well-being to avoid burnout, and that will require us to adjust our schedules or to learn to say no. Instead of letting wellness be a last-minute consideration, we must make it a priority by scheduling dedicated time for it. 

Guilt and feelings of unworthiness

Believe it or not, there are individuals who may believe they haven’t achieved enough, made enough sacrifices, or are inherently flawed, leading them to feel unworthy of self-care. Guilt can lead to over-commitment and a tendency to put others’ needs first, leaving little time or energy for personal needs. By some, self-care can be viewed as a selfish act, especially when guilt or feelings of unworthiness are present, hindering them from engaging in it. Our belief system around one’s worthiness can fuel negative self-talk, further discouraging self-care practices.

Lack of Awareness

When we lack awareness of our own thoughts, feelings, and needs, it becomes challenging to make choices that support our overall wellness and wellbeing. Without recognizing our own patterns, triggers, and needs, we may struggle to implement effective strategies for improving our wellness and wellbeing. When we do not understand the importance of taking care of ourselves, it can ultimately impede our ability to thrive.

Mental Health Challenges

For those living with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, it can impact their motivation and ability to engage in self-care activities. This can manifest as difficulties with hygiene, nutrition, sleep, and social interaction, and can also worsen other health conditions.

 In essence, mental health conditions create a cycle where self-care is neglected, leading to a decline in overall well-being, which can, in turn, worsen the mental health condition. It’s crucial to acknowledge the interconnectedness of mental and physical health and to seek help when struggling with self-care, as effective treatment can improve both.

Lack of Support Systems

Emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist provides comfort during difficult times, helping us feel heard and understood. Lack of social support can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation, making it harder to prioritize self-care. Without the emotional validation and encouragement that comes from a supportive network, motivation for self-care can diminish. Research suggests a strong correlation between perceived social support and an individual’s capacity for effective self-care. Our well-being blossoms when we nurture ourselves and extend that care to others.

And lastly, village…

Societal and Cultural Norms

Our ability to engage in self-care is often undermined by the subtle and not-so-subtle messages we receive from our societal and cultural environments. Societal pressures, from cultural ideals of success to gendered expectations, can severely impact our mental and physical health, thus affecting our self-care. We can also feel pressured to constantly be productive or to put other’s needs before our own. These are deeply influential factors that shape our beliefs, behaviors, and ultimately, our ability to care for ourselves. 

Beautiful people, we must acknowledge that financial realities and limited resources can also create substantial barriers to embedding self-care into our routines. But let this be a powerful reminder that taking care of ourselves is not selfish; it is the fuel that empowers us to compassionately care for and uplift those around us. 

Here’s to brighter days!