Let’s be honest—being a woman can feel like juggling a thousand tabs open at once. Between careers, family, emotional labour, hormonal shifts, and trying to maybe squeeze in a yoga class or two… female wellbeing often ends up at the bottom of the to-do list.
This blog is your gentle reminder (and maybe a bit of myth-busting too) about what women really need to feel well—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Spoiler (i hate to break it to you): it’s not ice baths or skipping breakfast.
Sleep: The Secret Superpower (And Why Women Actually Need More of It)
Yes, it’s true—scientific research shows women need more sleep than men. Our brains work differently, especially because of multitasking and more complex hormonal patterns (cheers, oestrogen!). While the average adult needs 7–9 hours, women often benefit from a little extra. Lack of sleep doesn’t just make us cranky—it messes with our mental health, hormone regulation, immune system, and ability to cope with stress.
So if you’ve been feeling foggy, snappy or emotionally wrung out, you’re not just “being dramatic.” You probably need more rest—and that’s completely valid. Go get some more shut eye, you deserve it (although i know this might be easier said than done especially if you have families, children or struggle to sleep).
Counselling tip: If you find it hard to unwind, therapy can help explore the stress or overthinking that might be affecting your sleep.
Nutrition: Feed Your Body, Feed Your Mood
Let’s talk food—not diet culture, but nourishment. Women need steady energy to support our hormones, nervous system and emotional balance. And here's a truth bomb: intermittent fasting and restrictive diets often don’t work well for women. In fact, skipping meals can disrupt your cortisol levels, throw your hormones out of whack, and increase anxiety.
Focus on balanced meals—think protein, healthy fats, whole carbs—and don’t fear snacks! Our hormones need fuel. Our brains need fuel. Emotional resilience starts with a nourished body.
What About Supplements?
If you’re low on energy or feeling "off," it might not just be stress. Women are commonly low in iron, B12, magnesium, and vitamin D—all of which affect mood and wellbeing. Always check with a healthcare professional before adding supplements, but yes, they can help. A multivitamin isn’t magic, but it’s a solid start.
Hormones: The Monthly Rollercoaster (and Why It’s Okay to Slow Down)
Women’s hormones change weekly—not just monthly. From oestrogen highs to progesterone dips, your mood, energy, appetite, sleep, and even your mental clarity can shift throughout your cycle.
👉 Week 1 (menstruation): You might feel tired and low—take it easy.
👉 Week 2 (pre-ovulation): Hello energy and confidence!
👉 Week 3–4 (post-ovulation): Mood dips, cravings, and sensitivity can spike.
Understanding this isn’t about labelling you as “emotional”—it’s about working with your cycle, not against it. Tracking your mood and energy alongside your menstrual cycle can give you real insights into how to support yourself each week.
Why Ice Baths Might Not Be the Wellness Hack You Need
You’ve probably seen them on Instagram—people raving about ice baths for "mental toughness" or inflammation. But here’s the thing: ice baths can be too much for the female nervous system, especially if you're already dealing with stress, burnout, or hormonal imbalance.
Cold plunges can spike cortisol (your stress hormone), which may be counterproductive if you’re already running on adrenaline. Warmth, rest, and gentle movement are often much kinder to the female body.
So no, you don’t have to freeze your way to self-care. You're allowed to choose comfort.
Considering Trans Women in Female Wellbeing
When we talk about female wellbeing, it’s so important to include trans women—because their health journeys and needs are just as real and deserving of attention. Many trans women go through hormone therapy, which can change how their body feels, how they sleep, and what their nutrition needs look like.
Sleep: Hormone therapy may affect sleep quality and patterns, sometimes easing previous sleep disturbances caused by gender dysphoria or stress, though some trans women may experience new challenges as their bodies adjust.
Nutrition: Nutritional needs can vary depending on hormone levels and body changes during transition. For example, shifts in muscle mass and fat distribution may require tailored dietary adjustments to support optimal health.
Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations for trans women are guided by therapy rather than natural cycles, but still require regular monitoring to maintain balance and wellbeing. Understanding and respecting these differences is crucial to providing holistic care.
At the end of the day, female wellbeing isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s about honouring every woman’s journey, including trans women, and empowering them to thrive.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Lazy—You’re Listening to Your Body
There’s so much pressure out there to hustle, detox, optimise, and do more. But real female wellbeing? It’s about tuning in, not pushing through.
Whether it’s more sleep, eating regular meals, tracking your cycle, or ditching the ice bath trend, you’re allowed to take care of yourself in ways that feel good—not punishing.
And if you're struggling to do that, that’s okay too. Sometimes we all need a little support untangling it all. That’s where counselling can come in—a calm space to explore what you need to feel grounded, well, and like yourself again.