This Women’s Health Week (7th-11th September 2026), it feels important to respond to something I often hear in the counselling room: “I’ll look after myself once things settle down.”
Many women are managing work, family, relationships, caring responsibilities, appointments, school activities, household tasks and the invisible mental load that sits quietly behind all of it.
They are often capable, thoughtful and dependable. They notice what needs doing and keep moving even when exhausted. From the outside, it can look like they are coping well. Inside, though, many are running on empty and wondering why small things suddenly feel too much.
Putting yourself last can become so normal that it no longer feels like a choice. There may be guilt around resting, pressure to be available, fear of disappointing others, or a belief that needing support means you are not managing well enough. Over time, your own needs can become quieter while everyone else’s remain urgent.
The body and mind often try to get our attention before breaking point. Exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, resentment, tearfulness, feeling disconnected, or simply “getting through the day” can all be signs that something needs care. Ignoring these signs often means they grow louder.
Prioritising yourself is not about adding another perfect routine to an already full life. It is about noticing what is happening earlier and responding honestly before everything becomes overwhelming. Sometimes that means setting a boundary, a daily rest period, or asking for help before you reach crisis point.
Asking for support does not mean you have failed. It can be a sign that you are paying attention and recognising that your well-being matters too. You also do not have to wait until you are barely coping before you are allowed to seek care.
Not sure where to start? Try a simple “needs check-in.” Pause for a few minutes and ask: What am I feeling? What do I need? What is one small thing I can do to support myself today? The answer might be drinking water, taking a proper lunch break, stepping outside for five minutes, replying honestly instead of saying “I’m fine,” or asking someone you trust for help.
You might also choose one small boundary for the month. For example: “I will not answer non-urgent messages after 8 pm,” or “I will take ten minutes before saying yes.” Small, repeated acts of self-care can help shift the pattern of always coming last.
So, this Women’s Health Week, consider this your gentle reminder — or perhaps a not-so-gentle push — that caring for yourself is not selfish. It may help prevent everything else from becoming too much.
If you treated your own well-being as something worthy of care this month, what is one thing you would do differently?
Rachel, Counsellor / Greenhill Counselling
