Recently I met a bright and engaging new patient who was clearly interested in her own well-being. One of her goals was to be more proactive regarding her health. Her recent birthday had caused her to reflect more deeply on her personal role in the enjoyment of full and vibrant health.
Dr. Linda Spooner
She explained her current work situation, to which I asked, “How’s your stress level at work?” I noted a subtle damping of her expression. “Well, this is a high pressure time for me, lots of projects and deadlines. I’m pressed, but most of the time I manage,” she answered.
“And how about stress at home? How do things go there?” I asked. “Well, fine. Fine I guess,” said she. I raised my eyebrows slightly, but kept quiet for a bit.
“I feel like I have two jobs. I leave one job after a full day, fight the traffic, and then start all over with what has to be done at home. My husband says he’s going to bed at 10 p.m., and he’s asleep by 10:15 p.m. I move a load of laundry from the washer to the dryer, fold a load, make sure the kitchen is clean, and prep for the kids’ lunch and what they need for school. Sometimes I look at the bills. By the time I crawl into bed, it’s past midnight. And then tomorrow, I get up and do it all over again.”
I immediately asked her: “And what do you do to decompress? I mean, for yourself?” A blank stare followed that question. “Nothing,” she replied. “Nothing.”
A woman’s work is never done. So goes the old adage. But what about that woman? Through the years, the same question has been met with the same blank stare from countless women. It simply doesn’t occur to women that they should prioritize their wellness and learn how to decompress: how to meditate, practice Tai Chi, take a soothing bath, stretch and relax their tired muscles, and insist on personal time in pursuit of their own comprehensive wellness. Women are a vital and precious resource to many. We are so busy taking care of others that we often fail to care of ourselves.
I invite you into the conversation around women’s comprehensive wellness — what it means, how to achieve it, and how to support each other in its attainment. Join the conversation online and look for more information in future issues of Tagg.
Dr. Linda Spooner is Board-certified in Internal Medicine with a particular interest in women’s health and wellness. She can be reached at foryourtotalhealth@gmail.com.
