Stress and women’s health are intrinsically connected. You probably know that when you experience stress your blood pressure and heart rate increase, but what you may not know is that stress can have a uniquely harmful effect on a woman’s body chemistry.
It works like this: women have higher levels of estrogen, while men have higher levels of testosterone. During times of stress, your body releases a substance called oxytocin. The effects of oxytocin are decreased by testosterone but increased by estrogen, meaning that in a very real way women experience stress more deeply than men do, and are therefore more susceptible to its negative aspects.
Rather than just approaching women’s stress reduction as a list (yoga, meditation, journaling – you’ve heard all that before), we’re going to explore stress relief as an overall strategy and you can fill in the details for yourself.
Are You an Introvert or an Extrovert?
Introverts feel happiest when alone, while extroverts prefer company. Your personality should dictate how you arrange your stress relief activities.
For example, if you were to decide to try yoga as an extrovert but did so by watching videos at home, you wouldn’t get the same level of success. You’d be happier attending a class with others, or better yet, finding a friend to go to yoga with you regularly.
Are you looking for active time or calm time?
Women have different preferences when it comes to stress relief, and while physical activity is a reliable option, for some stress relief needs to be viewed separately from regular, healthy exercise. If this sounds like you, then look for ways you can have calm down-time. This can be as simple as 15 minutes with a cup of tea or a bath and a good book. If you find you prefer company during your calm time, make a regular appointment for lunch or a movie with a friend.
When do you most need to de-stress?
Are you most stressed out immediately after work, or do you find you get stressed at bedtime when thinking about the day ahead? Do you wake up in the morning with your heart and blood pressure already up?
Monitor your thoughts and feelings and try to determine the best time of day to engage in relaxation activities. Find morning exercise classes, start having a cup of tea after lunch, or take a nice hot bath right before bed.
Recognize when stress becomes a problem
Stress in women can turn into problems with sleep, anxiety or even depression. If you are already at this point, or feel you are approaching it, your well woman care provider can make specific suggestions to help you combat the stress in your life. Don’t hesitate to bring up your concerns.
