Health, Wealth and Women

Dr Tanya Unni

AMTAN Medical Centre, Pimpama, Gold Coast

I recently spoke at a breakfast hosted by the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce focusing on Health, Wealth and Women. It raised so many questions and confirmed for me what so many women worry about – that is, how to find the balance between careers, familiar and themselves.

The quick answer is easy. Stop trying to do everything perfectly. But it is so hard to know what to cut back on when we want to do it all – and do it all well.

At the breakfast I was asked how I cope with my work commitments and family. I cope by not trying to be perfect. My children are not perfect, and neither am I. I list out what I need to do each day, even if just in my head, and I let some things go. I know I can’t do it all. I try not to compare myself or our children with others. And I try to make sure I have a little ‘me time’ every day. Even if it is only for a few minutes.

We are witnessing a new generation of women for whom a career was never in doubt. It is a generation of women likely to have grown up in a house where the mother worked. Careers are important to them, but so is family, their own quality of life, and their health and wellbeing.

Many don’t realise when they have a problem. A little self-observation can help you identify if you are not finding your balance in life.

Do you feel self-conscious around colleagues or in social settings?
Are you restless and irritable for no apparent reason?
Are you overthinking things?
Do you have low self-worth or feel a burden?
Have you stopped making plans for the future?
Are you tired or not sleeping well?
Are you not eating well or exercising?

Remember to take time for yourself. Do things you enjoy such as meditating, exercising and getting outside on a daily basis, and make sure you have at least one segregated time during the day to focus on your happiness.

Also find your community and reach out to spend time with them or talk to them. It is common to feel isolated when you are busy with tasks, work and family.

Remember to eat well. Eating small, high protein meals throughout the day can reduce the sense of panic that comes with hunger if you miss a meal.

A lot of women work as sole operators or in a small business where they are responsible for helping others find their balance.

All small business owners or managers, and everyone who works for them, went through work challenges during COVID-19, on top of the challenges they were already feeling personally. We have to understand these challenges affected people differently – and their families.

There are some things we can do at work to help make it easier for everyone.

We need to consider what works best for each employee and offer choice;
Let’s provide reassurance where we can – people always need to feel appreciated and needed;
It’s also important to provide job security where you can. If staff know they are secure they are less stressed; and
Provide counselling and support where possible.

Everyone feels pressure, more so in uncertain times. Keep your expectations of yourself achievable. Look after yourself and you will be able to better support those around you.

Dr Tanya is a Director of Amtan Medical Group and Skin Lab & Beauty. Amtan Medical Group recently launched a new service model for expecting and new mothers which includes antenatal care; pregnancy and birthing education; postnatal care including home visits and feeding assistance; infant massage instruction teaching baby massage, settling techniques and sleep support; nutrition plans; mental health and wellness; health checks; and postnatal depression support. Dr Tanya is also a busy mother of two.