Advertisement
Practical suggestions for easing your stress
Both men and women experience stress, no question.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
But women often experience stress on a deeper level and place more internal pressure on themselves, says psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD.
Try these ideas when you feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures.
Stress activates your body’s fight-or-flight response, sending cortisol raging through your bodies, Dr. Albers says.
Many women turn to food to comfort them and calm their stress. But food doesn’t actually soothe you. Rather, it gives a sudden jolt of pleasure or distraction, Dr. Albers explains.
Try to find non-food ways to bring down those cortisol levels.
“Take a break and do a self-massage by putting a tennis ball under your foot or behind your back against the wall,” she suggests. “Or sit or go for a walk outside.”
Even simple things, like sipping hot tea, putting on comfy clothes or taking a warm shower can soothe your body.
Do you worry about deadline pressures, difficult colleagues or your career trajectory?
Dr. Albers recommends looking at the big picture. How much will the stressful situation matter in five hours, five days, five weeks or five years?
Women also tend to absorb other people’s stress. “We are natural caretakers, but it helps to set good boundaries with coworkers,” she says. “Focus on your stress, rather than trying to fix, solve or soothe others’ stress, too.”
Women (especially moms) often express feeling overloaded with chores but find it hard to delegate.
“Sometimes they think, ‘I have to do this, I have to do that,’ and they get so frustrated when their partner can’t automatically see what needs to be done,” Dr. Albers relates.
So, instead of expecting others to read your mind, set up a time to divide the tasks. “Establishing routine chores works much better than asking in the moment,” she says.
Let the kids pitch in, too. They can choose jobs they like or rotate tasks.
Finally, set priorities. “Clean your kitchen really well if you spend 90% of your time there,” she says. “Don’t worry about the whole house.”
Do you often feel trapped on your phone? Many people do. But you’re missing opportunities to connect with family.
“Put the phone aside, and look your family members in the eye,” Dr. Albers advises. “You’ll communicate much more effectively.”
Have everyone stash their electronics during family meals, she says. It will help you slow down and stay in the moment, enjoying the food and the company.
Comparing yourself to others only amps up your stress.
“Stay in your own lane. Focus on yourself,” advises Dr. Albers.
You can also ease the pressure by letting go of “should” statements, like “I should be the perfect mom,” or “I should always make dinner.”
Advertisement
If money is a source of stress, Dr. Albers suggests having a family meeting about finances to set a budget.
“This alleviates stress in the long run,” she says. “I also encourage women to set up automatic bill-paying online.”
Eliminating the twin headaches of writing checks and paying bills on time can ease financial stress.
“Then, once all the bills get paid, you will know what your household budget is for the month,” says Dr. Albers.
You may be great about making doctor’s appointments for your kids or aging parents. But you’re probably last on the list.
“Taking care of yourself is important, because if you go down, everybody else goes down,” Dr. Albers says.
Create self-care routines that are automatic and linked with other already established routines, like taking vitamins whenever you brush your teeth.
Lastly, “give yourself permission to take time to be alone and recharge your batteries,” she adds. “It’s hard to put your worries down for a moment, but it’s really beneficial.”
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
A more open conversation on athletes and their mental health needs is overdue
In response to stress or danger, your brain responds by either defending itself, running away, stopping or reconciling
Combat stress and anxiety — common chronic hives triggers — by focusing on sleep, staying active and leaning on others for support
Fostering romantic and/or sexual feelings for other people outside of your relationship can lead to long-term consequences
Reiki is an energy-healing practice that many people describe as deeply calming and therapeutic — but it shouldn’t be used in place of conventional treatments
Taking care of yourself extends beyond symptom management and includes things like passion projects and meaningful moments
Connecting with loved ones, keeping a gratitude journal and reframing the situation may help the dread dissipate
You may be more prone to hot flashes if you have anxiety, but hot flashes can also rev up anxiety
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims