Beyond Superwoman: The Impact of Multitasking on Women’s Health
Tired of the daily grind, never having enough time to get everything done?
Feel like you will never live up to society's expectations and be a ‘superwoman’ like your mum? Do you feel the pressure to be everything for everybody whilst putting your own needs at the bottom of the priority list?
Why do women feel the need to be ‘superwoman’? Is it a result of external pressures or is it more to do with the pressure they place upon themselves?
When researchers delved into the topic, here are some of the reasons why women try to do it all.
Fear of failure: they feel the need to be superwoman because they believe that their worth is tied to their achievements and accomplishments.
Societal expectations: they feel the pressure to be mothers, and homemakers, whilst also pursuing their careers and personal goals.
Personal expectations: they often place high expectations on themselves, either due to their personal goals and aspirations or a desire to prove themselves to others.
Lack of support: they may not have adequate support from their partners, family, or friends, which can create a sense of responsibility to take on more than they can handle.
So what is the impact of ‘superwoman syndrome’ on women’s health?
Women are the masters of multitasking, juggling responsibilities at home, at work, and in their personal lives. While this may seem like a superpower, the reality is that multitasking can have significant long-term effects on a woman's health.
Physical Health
Multitasking can lead to poor sleep quality, reduced energy levels, and decreased physical activity. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that women who multitasked frequently reported more physical health symptoms, such as headaches, back pain, and gastrointestinal problems (5).
Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Multitasking, trying to get too many things done, leaves little time for meal planning and cooking. The consequence is a diet full of processed, quick and easy foods lead to poor nutrition which can have systemic consequences for long-term health.
Stress & Burnout
The pressure to balance work, household, caregiving, and social obligations can lead to stress and burnout. Multitasking can lead to a lack of focus, reduced productivity, and decreased job satisfaction. Studies have shown that women who multitask are more likely to experience higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that the body produces in response to stress (1).
Memory and concentration
Multitasking can impact memory and cognitive function, as it places a high demand on the brain. A study published in the journal NeuroImage found that participants who multitasked had reduced grey matter density in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the brain responsible for cognitive control and decision-making (4)
Mental Health
The effects of multitasking on mental health can be severe, as it can lead to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. A study by the American Psychological Association found that women who multitasked frequently reported higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to men (3). The study also found that women who spent more time multitasking reported lower levels of life satisfaction.
Job Performance
The constant switching between tasks can create mental fatigue and reduce the quality of work that is being produced. This can result in feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction, leading to burnout and a decline in overall health (2).
Self Care
Multitasking can impact a woman's ability to engage in self-care activities, such as rest and relaxation. This can lead to chronic health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
What can women do to take the pressure off? Learn to delegate tasks and work to others!
Here are some great reasons to delegate:
Reduces workload: Delegating tasks to others reduces your workload and frees up time and mental energy for you to focus on the most important tasks or activities.
Saves time: Delegating tasks to others can save you time, so allocating a task to a family or team member can result in saving everyone time and increase efficiency.
Builds trust and confidence: Delegating tasks to others, especially children, can build confidence, as it shows that you trust their abilities and value their contributions.
Prevents burnout: Taking on too many tasks and responsibilities can lead to stress and burnout and impact your health.
What Women Can Do to Take Care of Themselves?
While multitasking may feel like it’s unavoidable, it's important for women to understand the importance of prioritising self-care in order to maintain good health. Scheduling, rosters, and prioritising tasks will provide much-needed organisation, and improve time management so there is enough time for everyone to be taken care of.
Here are some of the ways that I suggest for my clients:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Prioritize physical activity, healthy eating, and good sleep hygiene. These habits can help reduce stress and promote overall health.
Take breaks: Allow yourself to take breaks throughout the day to recharge your energy levels. This can include taking a short walk, doing some deep breathing exercises, or engaging in a relaxing activity.
Set realistic expectations: It's important to set realistic goals for yourself and not take on more than you can handle.
Prioritise important tasks- when the demand for time is high, have a schedule or roster of tasks to share the load. Even children can manage small tasks if you give them the opportunity.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support when needed.
While it is empowering and fulfilling for a woman to succeed in many roles, it can also take a toll on her health. I see the impact every day in my clinic. Women who have, before they realise it, let their own health suffer, whilst they have been busy looking after everyone else.,
It is not impossible to do both, look after yourself and your family. Learning to set boundaries, practice self-care, and seek support from others when needed, is the key to everyone not only surviving but thriving.
By taking care of themselves first, women can continue to thrive and make a positive impact in the world, whilst having great health for life.
Have you been trying to be ‘superwoman’ and need help to take back control of your life?
Book a Free 30-minute consultation today and take the first step on your roadmap to health!
*References available on request*
