STRESS AND WOMEN

What is stress?
A stress is anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being. It is also a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Why are  women are susceptible to stress?
Women are socialized to be the caretakers of others. More women than men have both a career outside the home and continue to try to juggle traditional responsibilities after hours. Over 70% of married women with children under the age of 18 are employed outside the home. Sociologists describe women as struggling to achieve the "male standard" at work, while trying to maintain the perfect wife and mother standards at home.
Women are also less likely to be in as powerful positions as men to change their environment. Women find it harder to say no to others' requests and often feel guilty if they can't please everyone. They often spend less time nurturing their own emotional and physical needs, as that might be perceived as selfish. In addition, relationship alterations or the loss of loved ones can produce empty nest or other separation syndromes.
As women progress through life's stages, hormonal balance associated with premenstrual, post-partum and menopausal changes can affect chemical vulnerability to stress and depression.

Symptoms of stress
Feeling tense
Depression
Poor memory
Poor concentration
Increased alcohol consumption
Anger/hostility
Difficulty making decisions
Frequent mood swings
Negative thinking
Distractibility
Excess smoking or eating

Risk for stress
Accidents
Headaches
Bowel disorders
Poor digestion
Skin disorders
Eating disorders
Emotional disorders
Asthma attacks
High blood pressure/strokes
Sexual dysfunction.

How to relieve stress
Swimming
Doing breathing exercises
massage
Listening to classical music
Writing in a journal
Meeting with friends
Napping
Walking
Dancing
Engaging in spiritual reflection
Stretching
Listening to music
Gisting