Stress affects people in different ways, so it’s important that they have the means to minimize or even eliminate this stress so that their health isn’t affected. What might be stressful for one person might be manageable for another. For women in particular, stress can negatively affect their physical and mental health in ways that they never thought possible before. Women are expected to take on multiple roles in their lives and manage them well through multitasking. Here are three ways that women can get a better handle on their stress before it overtakes them.
-
Deep Breaths And Stretching
An easy form of mental health treatment is to find a way to relax. Stress tends to make breathing shorter and to tighten up the muscles. By focusing on deep breathing and stretching, you can minimize the impact these have on your physical and mental well-being. The act of breathing slowly and stretching can force your body to calm down instead of being in a constant agitated state.
-
Set Personal Limits And Designate Duties
You should learn what your limits are so that you don’t overstep them. Discover what they are and communicate them to those around you, especially in your workplace. You have to remind yourself that you cannot control everything in the world, but you do have some control over what triggers your stress. You’ll have an easier time managing your workload and also paying attention to your body when it is starting to feel stressed out.
-
Develop Consistent Healthy Habits
When you’re stressed, you might reach for the easy coping mechanisms, like indulging in an unhealthy snack. It’s easy because the reward of bad food triggers the dopamine response, which can make you feel comforted. However, dopamine can be released in other ways, such as by exercising and getting good-quality sleep. Engage in journaling so that you can write down your thoughts and reduce your anxiety levels.
How To Identify Stress
Not many people know when they’re experiencing stress because it can present differently in different people. It can present itself in a variety of symptoms:
- disturbed sleep
- low sex drive
- headaches
- change in appetite
- irritability
- mood swings
- having a short temper
- forgetfulness
- lack of concentration
- feelings of isolation/loneliness
- having family problems
Many people accept these symptoms as being “just a part of life” but that shouldn’t be the case. Chronic stress can make these symptoms even worse to the point that you find it difficult to function in your day-to-day life.
Setting some time apart for yourself should not leave you feeling guilty that you’re not meeting others’ expectations. Thinking this way will only leave you feeling stressed and unfulfilled throughout your life. By realizing that your stress is negatively affecting your health, you can start recognizing the signs, setting some boundaries, and giving yourself the time that you need to focus on yourself. If you’re having difficulties managing the stress in your life, then talk to your primary care provider or mental health professional for some help.