The concept of multitasking women, superwomen, super mothers, etc., is associated with women. These adjectives are a way to tell the world about our abilities. However, I am of the view that we need more than that. The societal structure across the global have placed men and women or rather way fixed rule of life, code of conduct and fair share of responsibilities. With changing times, the societal structure and role of men and women have changed. Women growing participation in workforce is clearly visible. However, women continue to be the primary caregivers even though there has been an increase in women entering the workforce and a shift toward more gender equality in caring roles, particularly parenting roles.
The Mindset
In the modern world, women are expected to manage their professional and personal duties with finesse. The fact that women are viewed as multitaskers causes me to feel under tremendous pressure. It is as if we were born with it, and it can be activated at any time. It appears we are expected to juggle everything on a daily basis. All these have led to women facing burn out and surge in mental health issues.
Women in Tech Marketing
In areas traditionally dominated by men, such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as well as more recently, climate technology and blockchain, women are leading. I find it fascinating to observe the booming growth in the number of women practitioners in my industry and how they are challenging this male-dominated environment. Be it innovators or leaders, women have been at the forefront of innovations that are transforming the way we live and work.
Alarming Data on Mental Health
Although we are making progress, there are alarming statistics regarding the mental health of women. The data from ComPsych indicate that women have been driving a significant increase in mental health-related absences. During the first quarter of 2024, 11% of all leaves of absence were for mental health reasons, a 22% increase over the first quarter of 2023. A significant amount of this trend is being driven by female workers, who accounted for 69% of all mental health absences in 2023 and 71% of all mental health absences in the first quarter of 2024.
The data from ComPsych indicates that women make up 60% of all depression cases in the United States over the past two years. The reasons may vary, but elements such as overdependence, multitasking, high productivity, and a need to be perfect have taken a toll on women’s health.
Tips for Balancing Our Lives and Practicing Mindfulness
Prioritize & Set Boundaries – To prevent burnout, identify what truly matters and establish clear boundaries. It is important to learn how to say no to tasks that do not align with your priorities and to focus on what will benefit your personal and professional development.
Embrace Mindfulness – Exercising mindfulness can help you stay focused and reduce stress by taking short breaks, breathing deeply, or meditating. Being present in the moment can improve decision making, enhance creativity, and maintain emotional well-being.
Work Smarter, Not Harder – Utilize productivity tools, delegate tasks, and avoid multitasking when focusing on a particular task is necessary. When tasks are broken down into smaller, manageable steps, efficiency can be improved and overwhelm can be reduced.
Self-Care is Non-Negotiable – Take time for yourself, whether it is through exercise, hobbies, or rest, because a well-balanced mind fuels success. Mental clarity, energy levels, and overall happiness can be enhanced by prioritizing self-care.
I believe that finding the right balance does not require doing everything and being perfect every time. The importance of prioritizing yourself from time to time cannot be overstated. A balanced life is the key to sustained success and fulfilment.
About the Contributor – Amrita is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience crafting 360-degree strategies across retail, tech, and real estate. With deep expertise in the Middle East market, she excels in channel marketing, digital strategy, and brand development, delivering impactful campaigns that drive results and foster lasting customer loyalty.
This contribution is under the International Women’s Day initiative #SheIsInfinite.
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