Women have traditionally been the central axis of family life. The bearers of children, the wipers of noses, dispensers of bandaids - often while juggling careers as well. We travel through life and our roles evolve. As our children grow and perhaps become parents themselves, rather than needing us less, it seems that we are more in demand than ever. Now, in addition to being mothers we find ourselves as support people for our own aging parents, husbands going through mid-life crises and girlfriends facing similar issues.

All this nurturing can take it out of a woman. So while you may be busy nurturing and feeding those you love, remember to nurture yourself and feed your spirit.

Here are a few tips to help you keep that sense of balance:

• Take time out for yourself – whether it’s a regular yoga class, a walk in the park or time to read a good book.#
• Make sure there are people around to support you. It’s great to be needed, but everyone needs to have someone to share concerns with…even you!
• Learn how to say ‘no’. It’s hard to do at first, but once they get over the shock, they’ll realise it’s not that you love them any less, just that you want to make sure that you’ll still have energy to love them tomorrow.
• Laugh – it really is the best medicine. Seek out funny books or movies, surround yourself with people that make you laugh.