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Rewriting the Narrative of Modern Womanhood
By: Chantal Landreville, Certified Love & Relationship Coach and author of Raise Your Love Signal: A Guide to Attracting and Keeping the Love of Your Life
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, we are reminded not just of our collective strength but also of the deeply personal journey each of us takes in defining what it means to be a woman. In a world that often demands we do it all, be it all, and give it all, how do we truly embody our womanhood in a way that feels nourishing rather than depleting?
The answer lies in reclaiming our power, not through relentless productivity but through rest, self-compassion, and nervous system regulation. This isn’t just self-indulgence; it’s survival. It’s also the key to thriving in our relationships, careers, and personal fulfillment.
The Hidden Toll of “Doing It All”
For generations, women have been conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to how much we can juggle at once. Balancing careers, relationships, parenting, caregiving, and personal aspirations often leaves little room for rest. The impact? Our bodies keep the score.
In Canada, the statistics are sobering:
- Women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety disorders, with chronic stress being a significant factor (Canadian Mental Health Association).
- 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, with research linking these conditions to prolonged stress and overexertion (Canadian Women’s Health Network).
- A staggering 50% of women report experiencing burnout in their workplace, compared to 37% of men (Deloitte Women @ Work 2023 Survey).
The expectation to “push through” comes at a cost. The nervous system, which regulates our stress response, becomes dysregulated when we are in a constant state of overdrive. The fight-or-flight mode that once helped us survive now keeps us trapped in cycles of exhaustion, anxiety, and emotional depletion.
Nurturing Ourselves: The Most Radical Act of Womanhood
What if we redefined womanhood not as how much we can endure but as how deeply we can care for ourselves? What if rest was not a luxury but a fundamental right? Here’s how we can start embodying a healthier, more empowered version of womanhood:
1. Nervous System Regulation: The Foundation of Well-Being
Our bodies are not designed to be in a state of constant stress. The nervous system thrives when we alternate between action and recovery. Simple, evidence-based practices can help:
- Breathwork: A study published by the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry found that deep breathing exercises significantly reduce cortisol levels in women under chronic stress.
- Nature Exposure: Research from the University of British Columbia shows that spending just 20 minutes in nature reduces stress markers in women by 20%.
- Physical Connection: Whether through yoga, gentle movement, or simple touch, engaging in somatic practices helps release stored tension from the body.
2. Resting Without Guilt
Canadian women are less likely than men to take uninterrupted personal time. According to Statistics Canada, even on their days off, women spend 1.5 times more hours on unpaid labor (household duties, caregiving) than men. The cultural expectation to always “be available” is ingrained, but we can start shifting this by:
- Setting non-negotiable rest periods in our schedule.
- Practicing the radical act of saying “no” without justification.
- Allowing ourselves to experience pleasure without productivity—whether that’s reading, napping, or simply being.
3. Embracing Emotional Authenticity in Relationships
Women often carry the emotional labor in relationships, whether in romantic partnerships, friendships, or family dynamics. This can lead to burnout when our needs are consistently placed second. Studies from The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality reveal that women who feel emotionally supported in relationships report higher overall life satisfaction and better physical health.
How do we shift from self-sacrificing to self-honoring?
- Speak openly about emotional needs instead of assuming they will be understood.
- Recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
- Surround ourselves with relationships that reciprocate care, not just receive it.
Rewriting the Narrative: Women as Whole Beings, Not Just Givers
The outdated narrative of womanhood tells us that our value is in how much we give. But a new paradigm is emerging—one that celebrates us for our wholeness, not just our output. When we care for ourselves, we create ripple effects in our families, communities, and workplaces. A well-nurtured woman is a force of nature, capable of leading, loving, and thriving with depth and intention.
So, as you move through this month, ask yourself:
- Where in my life do I need to rest more deeply?
- How can I support my nervous system today?
- In what ways can I embrace my womanhood without sacrificing myself?
Being a woman is not about being everything to everyone. It’s about being fully, unapologetically, and healthily you.
Let’s continue to empower one another, not just through action, but through radical rest and self-compassion—without guilt and with the understanding that we are enough, just as we are.
ABOUT:
Chantal Landreville is an author, speaker, and Toronto-based certified Love and Relationship Coach with over two decades of experience in personal growth and human connection. In her quest to challenge the “Disney-fied” notions of love we’ve all been fed, Chantal introduces the true reality of what love really means. She is here to disrupt the myths and fairy tales, guiding people toward understanding that real love is about creating genuine, lasting connections built on mutual respect, emotional safety, and shared growth.
Her mission is to help individuals discover the path to authentic and lasting love, and she is dedicated to empowering her readers with the knowledge and tools needed to create healthy, fulfilling relationships.
raiseyourlovesignal.com | IG: @chantal.landreville
