How Rushing Woman Syndrome Affects Our Health
Do you constantly feel overwhelmed, like there’s never enough time to get everything done? Do you feel like you’ve lost sight of your own needs amid the chaos of daily life? If you're a mum, you might be experiencing “Mum Stress” or what’s now widely known as Rushing Woman Syndrome.
The Rushing Woman
One book that brings attention to this issue is Rushing Woman’s Syndrome by Dr. Libby Weaver, a nutritional biochemist. The title alone caught my eye, as it describes how the never-ending to-do lists and the constant rush can take a huge toll on our mental and physical health. The idea of the “Rushing Woman” resonated deeply with me. I’ve seen it in clients who feel overwhelmed by the demands of life, in friends who struggle to balance work and home, and even in my own journey as I’ve tried (and sometimes failed) to juggle too many things at once.
Where Is This Stress Coming From?
According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, two-thirds of women with dependent children are in the workforce, whether by career choice or financial need (or both). Despite this, research from the Australian Psychological Society shows that women still take on the primary caregiver role and remain largely responsible for household duties. In essence, women are expected to “do it all,” balancing a job, family, and home life, all while maintaining a high standard of personal and family well-being.
The Struggle with Inner Expectations
A lot of the stress women face stems from unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves. The belief that we should be able to balance everything perfectly. The expectation that we can work the same hours with the same energy we had before children, that our homes must always be pristine, and that our children should be thriving in every area of their lives. On top of that, we feel pressured to maintain physical attractiveness according to society’s standards.
It’s no wonder so many women feel overwhelmed—how could we possibly meet all these expectations when there are only 24 hours in a day?
In our efforts to meet these demands, we often sacrifice the things that help us cope with stress: sleep, exercise, socialising, and self-care. Without these essentials, stress builds up, leading to mental and physical exhaustion. This is the crux of Rushing Woman Syndrome—trying to do everything for everyone else, and leaving ourselves at the bottom of the priority list.
So, What Can We Do?
The first step is to ask yourself: How can I change my reality or lower my expectations? It’s important to set more realistic goals and accept that life is not always going to be perfect. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay.
Prioritise self-care. Learn to say no when necessary and make time for activities that help you recharge. It’s also essential to change the inner dialogue. If you’re constantly criticising yourself for not doing enough, try switching to a more supportive voice. Praise yourself for what you’ve accomplished, celebrate your progress, and remind yourself that you are enough just as you are.
Getting Support
While stress is a normal part of life, constant or worsening stress should not be ignored. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking support. Psychologists can help you develop effective coping strategies and teach you how to manage stress in a healthy way.
Taking the first step towards self-care and learning how to reduce the pressure you place on yourself can make a world of difference. So, let’s start lowering our expectations, balancing our lives, and prioritising our health—because when we’re well, we can show up as the best versions of ourselves for our families.
