Do You Try to Do It All? New Health Warnings for Superwomen

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Do superwomen exist? Absolutely. But let's get one thing clear: no one is without faults and weaknesses and secret personal challenges. Some days I feel like superwoman, other days? Not so much. But in our quest to try to do it all, and do it all perfectly, experts have some new health warnings ...

According to new data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, American women are using prescription drugs in greater numbers than ever before. Almost 6 percent of us, in fact--or 7.5 million adult women--say they use prescription medicines to boost energy, to calm them down, or for other recreational reasons.

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Experts interviewed for a report by NBC News call this the "superwoman syndrome." "Overworked, overwhelmed and overscheduled women juggling families, friends and careers are turning to stimulants, painkillers and anti-anxiety meds to help launch them through endless to-do lists," the article goes on to say. "Women load their lives with so much that they get in over their heads, and some turn to prescription pills to cope," said Talia Witkowski, a psychologist in Los Angeles.

Frightening news, which I think is a reminder to us all to lighten up! Cut yourself some slack and let some things go if need be. No matter what challenging/exciting/frightening/monumental thing you're in the midst of, remember these important five words: Life is not a race. And when it starts to feel like one, that's a big fat signal to slow things down and make changes.

Hugs to you! Please don't strive to be perfect. Nobody is perfect and the quest will make you crazy.

Tell me about your superwoman and not so superwoman moments...

P.S. What's your big, bold dream? I just accomplished my childhood dream! 8 things I wished I knew about health and happiness when I was 21. Plus, the little pick-yourself-up trick inspired by an Olympian.

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