Practical Tips for Reducing Stress

     Stress happens when you feel overwhelmed by demands from work, school, or relationships. It can be short-term, like being stuck in traffic, or long-term, like dealing with money problems or the loss of a loved one. Some stress can be helpful, like motivating you to study, but long-term stress can lead to serious health issues like depression, heart disease, obesity, and a weak immune system.

    Since 2007, surveys have shown that women report higher stress levels than men. This might be because women often have more responsibilities or experience stress differently. If we don’t manage stress well, it can have physical and emotional effects.

     Stress can cause irritability, sleep problems, changes in appetite, headaches, stomach issues, nervousness, excessive worry, and sadness. It can also affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant, the health of her pregnancy, and her recovery after birth. Stress can impact menstruation, sexual desire, and make premenstrual symptoms worse.For busy women, finding time to manage stress can be hard. High stress levels can lead to unhealthy coping methods like overeating, drinking alcohol, or being inactive. 

The good news is there are effective ways to manage stress.         

1. Track your stressors: Use a journal to note down situations that cause you stress and how you react. Write about your thoughts, feelings, and the environment, including people and circumstances. This can help you find patterns and develop a plan to manage stress  
2. Set limits: List the projects and commitments that overwhelm you. Identify priorities and cut back on nonessential tasks. Avoid taking on new commitments until you feel less stressed. Setting limits helps reduce chronic stress.
3. Use your support system: Reach out to family or friends. They may have faced similar challenges and can offer useful advice. Support from loved ones can help you take better care of yourself.
4. Make one health-related change: Boost your health to tackle challenges better. Small steps, like reducing snacking or taking a brisk walk, can improve your energy and reduce anxiety. Physical activity increases good-feeling endorphins and reduces stress hormones.
5. Manage your devices: Constantly checking email or social media can increase stress. Take breaks from your devices, especially on weekends and evenings. Put your phone away before bed.
6. Improve your sleep: Chronic stress can lead to poor sleep or insomnia. Wind down an hour or two before bed with calming activities like listening to music, reading, or meditating.
7. Seek help if needed: If you feel overwhelmed or struggle with daily tasks, seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you develop strategies to manage stress and improve your overall health.

I hope these tips help you manage your stress better!