Women and the Importance of Self-Care
Women often balance several roles in their daily lives such as professional, family, and community responsibilities. This can lead to stress and neglect of personal needs if self-care is not prioritized (Moudatsou et al., 2025). Cultural and social norms often expect women to focus on others first, which can lead them to ignore or silence their own needs. This pattern has been linked to a higher risk of anxiety and depression (Thibaut, 2025).
A recent Gallup survey showed that nearly two-thirds of women in the United States find it difficult to prioritize their own health, citing emotional exhaustion, caregiving duties, and work stress as major barriers (Gallup, 2024). This suggests that self-care is not simply a lifestyle choice but a necessary foundation for women’s long term health.
Preventive self-care, which involves taking actions to maintain health before illness develops, is especially relevant. Wilson Takaoka, Jaccheri, and Sharma (2024) found that women who reported lower self-care engagement had higher levels of anxiety and depression, especially in high stress occupations. This demonstrates the strong connection between preventive self care and mental well-being .
The Relationship Between Self Care and Mental Health
Recent studies confirm that self-care helps reduce the effects of stress and supports positive mental health. For example, Moudatsou et al. (2025) found that women who took part in personal development and support groups during health crises reported better resilience and emotional balance. These results show that self-care can act as a protective factor that promotes healthier responses to stress.
Self Care Interventions and Mental Health Outcomes
Digital programs and online mental health resources that promote self-care have also shown positive outcomes. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that individuals, especially women, who used self-care tools reported higher levels of wellbeing and emotional regulation (JMIR, 2025). This supports the growing use of digital self-care strategies as accessible mental health resources.
The Cycle of Poor Mental Health and Neglected Self Care
When mental health declines, motivation and energy for self-care often decrease. This creates a cycle where poor mental health leads to reduced self-care, which then worsens mental distress. Integrated programs that combine self-care education and mental health support are needed to break this pattern (KFF, 2025).
Practical Dimensions of Women’s Self Care: Physical Foundations
Physical self-care includes sleep, exercise, and nutrition. The World Health Organization (2025) emphasizes that these behaviors are essential to global health and must be encouraged for all women. Preventive medical visits, awareness of personal health changes, and stress management are also critical components of physical self-care.
Emotional and Psychological Dimensions
Emotional self-care involves activities that help manage stress and strengthen emotional resilience. Practices such as mindfulness, journaling, and creative outlets can improve emotional stability. Katan and Kelly (2023) found that self compassion among women with eating disorders supported healthier coping behaviors and reduced emotional distress. In addition, maintaining supportive social networks is essential for emotional wellbeing (Moradi et al., 2021).
Holistic and Contextual Considerations
Self-care changes throughout life and is influenced by social and environmental factors. A 2024 study in BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making highlighted that self-care must be made accessible and adaptable to women from different backgrounds, especially those facing emotional or economic challenges. Women in resource limited communities often experience barriers that reduce their ability to practice consistent self-care. Addressing these barriers requires social and policy level action (BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 2024).
Self-Care as Empowerment, Not Indulgence
Although self-care is sometimes seen as indulgent, research clearly shows that it is a form of empowerment. When women take care of their mental and physical health, they become better able to function in their families, workplaces, and communities (Thibaut, 2025). Self-care represents a reclaiming of control over personal well-being and challenges social systems that undervalue women’s health needs.
Women’s self l-care is a critical factor in maintaining good mental health. Current research shows that self-care reduces stress, builds resilience, and improves emotional stability. However, social expectations, unequal access to resources, and stigma can prevent women from engaging in sustained self-care. By creating supportive environments, expanding education, and ensuring access to mental health resources, society can help women make self-care a sustainable part of daily life.
References
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making. (2024). A national platform for advancing self-care processes for common illnesses and conditions: Designing, evaluating, and implementing. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 24, Article 331. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-024-02744-4
Gallup. (2024, April 16). Majority of U.S. women struggle to prioritize health. https://news.gallup.com/poll/646529/majority-women-struggle-prioritize-health.aspx
Katan, A., & Kelly, A. C. (2023). A daily diary study of self compassion and adaptive coping behaviors in women with symptoms of bulimia nervosa. Journal of Eating Disorders, 11, 50. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00755-6
KFF. (2025, May 6). Access and coverage for mental health care for women. https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/access-and-coverage-for-mental-health-care-for-women/
Moudatsou, M., Stavropoulou, A., Rovithis, M., Mimarakis, D., & Koukouli, S. (2025). Promoting women’s mental health and resilience in times of crisis through personal development groups. Healthcare, 13(9), 1035. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13091035
Thibaut, F. (2025). Recent progress in women’s mental health research and future priorities. European Psychiatry, 68(Suppl 1), S40. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2025.146
Wilson Takaoka, A. J., Jaccheri, L., & Sharma, K. (2024). Exploring self-care, anxiety, depression, and the gender gap in the technology workforce. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(11), 1468. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111468
World Health Organization. (2025, June 24). Self Care Month 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2025/06/24/default-calendar/self-care-month-2025
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