The days are gone when men used to be the only decision-makers of societal functions. Women have taken a significant part in the society. With their hard work and dedication, they have risen and are transforming the society. Women have come a long way from breakups to child-rearing to retirement. It’s tougher being female – and not just because of those endless minutiae daily anxieties! Life is just more stressful for women, and it is time to celebrate women and their achievements. But it is also time to look at various stress issues women face in society among women and how we can manage.
What is Stress?
Stress is a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc. according to Merriam Webster Dictionary. While men and women can react similarly in many stressful situations, or otherwise, there does seem to be some difference in how men and women react to stress, but the exact mechanisms aren’t clear, and researches are conflicting, some research suggests that oxytocin levels make some women more physically and emotionally sensitive to stress than others.
How Does Stress Affect a Woman’s Health?
The particular challenges that women face at home, in society, and at work may increase the amount of stress you experience. Your stress may vary, but if you have stress with your work, your kids, your neighbors, and marriage all at once, that’s a big deal. In women, there are changes in menstrual patterns, constant headaches to stomach trouble to back pain — nothing else is going on except a huge increase in stress, and all of a sudden, they may be losing their hair or having menstrual irregularities. Everything points to stress as a factor.
Common stress effects in women include:
Difficulty in Concentrating
Stress makes it hard to focus and be effective in your responsibilities at home or work, and that can compound your problems if the stress comes from your job, to begin with.
Difficulties in sleep
Trouble falling or staying asleep is common in women affected by stress. This is particularly counterproductive since a good night’s sleep is important for women to remain active during the day.
Heart Trouble
Stress can negatively affect the entire cardiovascular system, and while it doesn’t directly cause high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack, it can definitely contribute to them.
Here are some tips for managing stress:
· Improve your diet
By eating well-balanced meals and skipping junk food, you can improve your physical well-being and, in turn, your emotional health.
· Make time for exercise
Exercise is a phenomenal way of dealing with stress, and depression shows that getting active can lift your spirits by increasing hormones and neurochemicals that can improve your mood.
· Find fun ways to relax
Connect with family and friends and people you enjoy being around. Rediscover favorite hobbies — like crafting, drawing, or even home repairs, with stress-reducing effects. Other popular stress-busters include yoga, meditation.
Finally, if you feel overwhelmed by stress and its effects, talk to your doctor about ways to deal with it. You may learn new techniques for managing stress on your own, or you may find that therapy with a mental health professional will better help you to get it all under control.
Much love
Kim x
