According to a 2023 survey, women have higher stress levels compared to men.
This is because we tend to handle different responsibilities even at the expense of our own well-being. We are also not used to seeking help even when we clearly need it.
It is even more serious if you are a mother. You want to take care of your husband, your children, your business and so many other things which can increase your stress levels. In the long run, it can affect both your physical and mental well-being.
No matter your responsibilities, it is important that you always put yourself first and prioritize your health at all times, especially your mental health.
In this article, I share some causes of stress in women, signs that a woman is stressed and mental health tips for women to manage stress and prioritize their well-being at all times.
What are the Causes of Stress in Women?
As mentioned earlier, women handle a lot of responsibilities which can increase their stress levels.
Domestic responsibilities like taking care of the kids, handling household chores, managing their home, etc., is one of the major causes of stress in women.
This is because a large number of women are still solely responsible for handling domestic responsibilities even when they have partners or family members.
Another cause of stress is work. Handling work responsibilities is also one of the major causes of women’s stress. Instead of delegating or asking for help when it gets too much, we try to handle it all and this can sometimes backfire.
It builds up and can lead to stress, burnout, anxiety, etc.
10 Signs of Stress in Women
Here are some signs that indicate that a person is stressed out:
- Low energy levels/tiredness.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Anger and irritation.
- Weight loss/Weight gain.
- Stomach pain.
- High blood pressure.
- Skin outbreaks like acne, rashes, etc.
- Sleep issues.
- Difficulty in concentrating.
7 Mental Health Tips for Women to Manage Stress and Prioritize Their Well-being
- Take Regular Breaks: When you feel stressed, it is a sign that you’re going through something your body can’t cope with. That means you need to take a break.
If you can’t take breaks during the weekdays, you can do it in the weekends. Take time for yourself. Do things you love.
It could be as simple as just sitting down to watch a movie or even spending time with your friends. These will help to improve your mood and reduce your stress levels.
- Meditation: Meditation is a mental health exercise that helps you relax and calm your mind. It is a very good way to reduce stress and anxiety. The best part is that it can be done anywhere.
By regularly meditating, you will be able to significantly lower your stress levels.
You can read more on the benefits of meditation here.
- Be Physically Active: Regular exercising can help you to destress. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 62% of adults who exercise feel less stressed out.
It is not until you go to the gym before you exercise. You can do a couple of things at home like jogging, Pilates, yoga, etc.
It could even be as simple as running around your neighborhood. Other ways you can stay active are dancing, walking, etc.
Taking time to exercise will also provide you with some personal time for yourself to relax and unwind.
- Talk to Someone: Sometimes, you go through stressful situations you can’t handle on your own. Instead of worrying about it, talk about it to someone. After all, a problem shared is half solved.
When you talk to someone about why you are stressed, you receive suggestions and solutions on how you can solve the problem. Even the words of comfort and encouragement will go a long way.
- Eat Healthy Meals: When you are busy, you become stressed out and you have no time to eat a balanced diet. You end up skipping meals or even resorting to junk foods.
All of this will only increase your stress levels and make you more tired. So, you need to try to maintain a balanced diet and eat healthy meals that includes vegetables, fruits, etc. This will increase your energy levels and reduce burnout.
- Get Quality Sleep: When you are stressed, your cortisol level rises i.e your stress hormones. This is why you must try to get quality sleep in order to lower those stress hormones.
It is recommended that you get at least 7- 9 hours of sleep and nothing less than 7 hours daily.
- Ask for Help: Asking for help from others is not a sign of weakness Stop trying to handle different responsibilities alone. Ask for help from your partner, your family and your friends.
Also, learn to delegate responsibilities to other people. You don’t have to do it all.
Conclusion
Stress is part of everyone’s life. What matters is how we managing it so it doesn’t affect our well-being or health.
As a woman, you must intentionally prioritize your well-being and learn how to manage stress so it doesn’t affect you. Through healthy lifestyle changes, taking breaks and seeking support, you will be able to manage stress and always be on your best form.
To learn more about how to handle stress and take care of your mental health, Register here for our upcoming webinar coming up at 6pm on March 8 in celebration of the International Women’s Day.