Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension that occurs due to an event that frustrated or made you angry. How your body responds to the daily happenings defines stress. As a woman, stress can be a positive thing to motivate you toward achieving your dreams. On the contrary, stress can be destructive when it is not managed well. It becomes hard for a woman to be productive and cope when the stress is excessive.
Women are always overwhelmed with work. They take care of their families, elders, community, and work. Finding a balance for all those roles is a problem. They are also worried about finances, health, and relationship issues which trigger stress.
When to take action
With all those duties and the pressure to deliver, one can’t escape being stressed. And yes, it is normal to be stressed, but you need to watch out when things get out of hand.
Whenever you experience headaches, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, back or neck pain, overeating or undereating, skin problems, lack of interest, and lack of energy know that it is time to take action.
You may also feel depressed, anxious, angry, sad, and irritated. Some women when under stress become forgetful, think negatively and lose focus.
When stress is excessive, some women tend to work for long hours and have poor concentration on their work. You will find yourself not having fulfilment in your job.
Another thing to watch out for is when you start isolating yourself, you feel lonely and lose intimacy.
Lastly, take care of yourself when you become unforgiving, empty, guilty, and in a sense of despair.
How to manage stress
You can manage stress by practising self-care routines. First, identify your negative stress signs to know how to approach the healing process. It’s good to know whether they are physical, mental, emotional, occupational, social, or spiritual. Every category requires a different approach.
Here are some of the things you can do to manage stress.
- Identify the source of your stress
When you know what is causing the stress it will be easier for you to deal with it. Examine yourself, relationships, your job, and your activities to point out the triggers.
- Accept yourself and be kind to yourself.
Women like to compare themselves to others and think that others are doing better. They hate everything about them. From how they look, dress, talk, and skills they have. Learn how to accept yourself, the situations surrounding you, and who you are. Be kind to yourself as you are to others. Appreciate yourself when you achieve those small goals.
- Exercise
Physical exercises will help you relieve some stress. Create a program for exercise. Taking a walk, doing body stretches, swimming, and practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga will help you calm down. Music is always a good way to relax. As you do physical exercises, remember to eat healthily and get enough sleep.
- Learn how to express your emotions.
Most women do not know how to express their emotions. When the emotions are suppressed they affect you inside causing chronic stress. Working on your self-esteem can help you to express your emotions.
- Develop positive thinking.
There is power in positive thinking, it will help you remain hopeful when facing difficulties. Be realistic and work towards improving yourself with a positive mind.
Stress can cause serious health conditions to women such as depression and anxiety, heart problems, obesity, pregnancy issues, and menstrual problems. Therefore, learn how to manage your stress and set personal wellness goals that will help you keep yourself in check. Your mental health is essential for you to achieve your life ambitions as a woman.
