Stress Less, Live More: Practical Tips for Women to Manage Stress

We all experience stress in one form or the other as humans. WHO defines stress as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.  As women, balancing work, personal life, relationships and family can make us vulnerable to stress. Occasionally, stress can be helpful as it pushes you to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks faster. When it becomes chronic it’s unhealthy for both your medical and mental health. What’s the way out? Stress management! It’s important to understand how stress affects the body and mind to manage it effectively.

How does Stress Affect Women

1. Physical health

Stress can disrupt your menstrual cycle especially when it is chronic stress. It can also aggravate symptoms of menopause or PMS. It can weaken your immune system and lower your immunity making you susceptible to all types of infections. When you are constantly stressed out, it could result in insomnia. Stress can exacerbate your blood pressure predisposing you to hypertension, heart disease or any other related disease.

2. Mental and Emotional Health

Your mental health is at risk when you’re stressed. Some women become anxious and depressed when they’ve been stressed for a long time. Stress can cause mood swings which can make you unnecessarily angry, sad and irritated.

3. Impact on Relationships

Stress negatively impacts relationships especially when it’s not handled well. It causes strains between you and your friends, colleagues, kids or partners because of the emotional withdrawal that accompanies stress.

4. Effects on Productivity

When you are stressed, it’s difficult to concentrate or make decisions. It also has a negative impact on productivity making you less productive, keep track of things or events. All of these have an impact on your performance in school, at home or work.

How to Manage Stress as a Woman

1. Build a Support System

Never be afraid to share your feelings with your friends, families or trusted ones. Always know that you’re not alone. One of the effective ways to manage stress is by talking about your feelings and what’s stressing you with people around you. It could result in you visiting a professional therapist or counsellor if the need arises. There are support groups you can join that are established to help women cope with stress.

2. Time Management

Don’t be shy; learn to say “no” to things you cannot handle, especially if your hands are full. Only prioritize things that matter or are important to you. Delegate tasks, if you feel you cannot handle them alone. Remember, you are not a robot; break down tasks into small bits and do them bit by bit, as it helps you feel less overwhelmed.

3. Practice Self-Care

Practicing self-care includes prioritizing your self-care. As an adult, it is recommended to sleep for a minimum of seven hours daily so you can feel rejuvenated. Eat right and healthy, and it includes consuming lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water. Finally, yoga, taking long walks and other forms of physical exercise can relieve stress. During these activities, endorphins are released, which are natural mood boosters.

4. Limit Stress Triggers

We all have stress triggers, and it’s important that you figure yours out so as to effectively manage stress. For some, it could be staying away from social media or news that could be triggering. Another stress trigger is financial inadequacies. Consult financial experts on the best ways to handle your finances.

5. Use Stress-Relief Tools

Music has always been my go-to whenever I am stressed. I listen to music and it helps relieve my stress.  Another stress relief tool is aromatherapy. Sniffing scents like chamomile, eucalyptus or lavender can also relieve stress.

6.  Practice Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing, meditation, and muscle relaxation are some relaxation techniques that have been found helpful in relieving stress. Ensure to take time daily to meditate whenever you feel stressed. For deep breathing, deeply inhale, hold your breath for about three seconds and exhale. Repeat it two to three times to calm your nerves.

7. Engage in Hobbies

Whenever I’m stressed, I listen to music or read novels and I feel more relaxed. You could be like me, so look for what makes you calm and hold onto it. Other hobbies include gardening, painting, dancing or taking walks to admire nature’s beauty. READ ALSO: Why Fish Should Be A Part of Your Healthy Diet Writing these tips for my readers, especially for women, gives me immense joy because these are things I do whenever I am stressed. So, I am more than happy to share them with you. We know that stress is unavoidable but we can take proactive measures to manage stress before it takes a toll on us. Focus on yourself, learn to say “no” and don’t be scared to ask for help when you are stressed. Remember to stress less and live well.