I’m talking to a lot of overwhelmed women at the moment. They are frazzled, scattered, struggling. They don’t know if they are dealing with peri-menopause, undiagnosed ADHD, burnout, or all three. I’m a qualified nutritionist, and I know that for many of these women, some nutritional and lifestyle changes could help to improve how they feel.

But, ultimately, I believe that women are feeling an innate longing for a more simple life. A life more connected, where their nervous systems are regulated and they have time to sit and enjoy their loved ones – a conversation, a cuddle, or simply having more than a few seconds spare to make eye contact and feel a real connection. We are collectively living a life that wasn’t meant for us. Biologically, all of this – all of the noise, plastic, chemicals, harsh lighting, tightly packed schedules and screens constantly in our faces – isn’t what we were designed for.

I haven’t just spoken to one or two women with this problem. It feels like almost every woman I meet is experiencing this. They can’t string together a sentence, their brain feels foggy, they don’t feel present with their partner or kids, and they are searching the internet for answers when they should be sleeping. They are desperate!

We have been conditioned to live this way, over decades. Pressures on women to ‘hold it all together’ are ever increasing. It almost feels like too big of a problem to tackle. So, what can we do?

We need to start with a focus on coming back to ourselves. Thinking about what our own needs are, and prioritising them, at least some of the time. Doing something for ourselves every day, even if it’s something small. Slowing down, relaxing our tense jaws, dropping our shoulders and breathing fully and deeply.

Taking the time to fold the laundry, focusing on one task at a time, not rushing through every part our day. Putting the phone down, and reading a book instead. Realigning with yourself. Consider how you have changed, what your needs and desires are now, and show up in life as that authentic version of yourself. No hiding, no apologising. Talk to your loved ones, friends or even professionals about how you feel.

Whatever the affliction is that I’ve described, whatever is causing it, and how it came to be, it seems to be common, but it’s not how things should be! We need to make changes, and awareness is the first step towards thousands of women feeling better about themselves.

PS – If you want some more guidance and to ponder on the big questions in life, why not check out the Philosopher-in-Residence series. Out every fortnight on a Thursday, and written by our Principal Planner, Anna Pascoe.  You can take a peek at the latest edition here: ON TEN - Make Me A Plan