With the new year, let’s ditch the “Rushing Woman Syndrome!”
“Girls!! Get up; don’t let the sun catch you in bed!” I can still hear my mother’s voice (spoken in our native Shona language) calling me and my sisters to get up and start on the housework. Cleaning inside and the yard outside, sweeping, mopping and polishing floors. Dusting every bit of the house and all the ornaments she loved to collect to decorate her home. She also had a passion for indoor plants, so guess what? We had to dust and wipe these with Johnson’s baby oil. We would follow the winding “money maker” plant that wound around the living room, wiping its leaves individually. Her motto was that all housework must be done first thing in the morning to get everything done. By 8 am, all housework would be done and dusted, and we’d sit down for breakfast. This was the routine every day during school holidays. After dinner, all dishes, pots, and pans would be washed, dried and put away in the evenings. The sink was scrubbed and dried, and its silver surface sparkling.
If you are Gen X like me and have a mother like mine, this scene will probably be very familiar to you. We were trained and programmed to run our homes like a drill sergeant, to be perfect wives and good mothers. What was perhaps not foreseen was how the modern world would catapult us into the marketplace, and we would take on careers that required us to commit from 9 -5 and then get back home and continue the superwoman persona. Women are rushing from one role to the next, trying to do everything. The sad truth is that something will give….
In today’s fast-paced world, the phenomenon known as the “Rushing Woman Syndrome” is increasingly prevalent and warrants our attention, especially in how it affects women’s health, particularly during their transition into menopause. The Rushing Woman’s Syndrome is a term coined by Dr Libby Weaver, a nutritional biochemist, to describe the impact of a never-ending to-do list and how it affects women’s health in today’s busy world. We live in an era where multitasking and constant connectivity are the norm. The relentless pace of modern life often leaves us women feeling rushed, stressed, and overwhelmed. This chronic stress can have profound effects on our physical and emotional well-being, influencing hormonal balance and exacerbating the symptoms of menopause
There is such a massive contrast in the lifestyles of our grandparents’ and possibly our parents’ generation. Life was slower, with fewer technological distractions and a stronger emphasis on community and relaxation. This difference in lifestyle potentially contributed to a more balanced approach to health and well-being, particularly during transitional life phases like menopause.
The Rushing Woman Syndrome can lead to a range of health issues, such as hormonal imbalances, increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and a heightened risk of chronic illnesses. These factors can significantly influence the experience of menopause, often intensifying symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue.
A Call for Change
It’s crucial to recognise the impact of our modern lifestyle on health and to seek a more balanced approach. We should incorporate stress reduction activities to promote moments of peace and calm to mitigate stress levels. How much community support are we engaging in? Are we reaching out to help as well as to get help? Community support can provide much-needed emotional stability and a sense of belonging. And it is very crucial to make balanced lifestyle choices. Prioritising and choosing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are vital components of maintaining hormonal balance and overall health.
As we navigate this modern life, let’s not neglect our health and well-being. We are not superwomen – rushing about has a health coat attached to it, and we cannot afford to sacrifice our well-being. Adopting a more balanced approach to life can better support our health and ease the transition into menopause, ensuring a healthier, happier journey for women today.
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