Struggling with Stress? 7 Strategies for Overwhelmed Females

Hackin' Your Stress: Tips Galore for Women (and Everyone Else!)

Last year, we all went nuts, but stress ain't a damn gender thing, am I right? Stress is the Great Equalizer – it taunts us all, fair and square. However, according to psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, women might be strapping on that stress pack a bit tighter and feeling it a little deeper.

Ready to kick stress in the butt? Here's our guide to keep you sane, honey.

Eat Your Feelings? Nah, Sis!

Stress triggers your body's fight-or-flight response, sending cortisol hollering through your system. And lady, what do you do when you feel that razor-edged tension? Turn to food, ain't that right? Well, Albers says nope. Food ain't gonna soothe your soul. It'll just give a fleeting burst of pleasure before turning into a guilt-ridden hangover. Try swapping sugar-laden treats with hot tea, cozy PJs, or a nice warm shower – that'll be your salvation.

Work Drama? Holy Crap, Turn Off That Faucet!

Ever find yourself wondering whether that deadline will bring joy or an epic meltdown? Albers recommends a birds-eye view, honey. What's the big picture? Is it gonna matter in the next five hours, days, weeks, or years? Women tend to let work stress spill over into their personal lives, soaking up other people's worries too (hey, we're natural caretakers). Set boundaries, diva, and focus on your stresses instead of trying to be the savior of the world.

De-gremlin Your Home

Moms and women agonize over the endless chores, but who's gonna take the flaming torch, y'all? Communication is key, babycakes. Set aside time to discuss and delegate tasks – do not expect others to read your mind. Establish routines, and let the kids get in on the act – teach 'em young. Remember, gurl, cleaning doesn't need to be a perfect symphony. Focus on the areas you use the most, and don't worry about the rest.

Quality Time: Why It's a Must

Are you nose-deep in your phone more times than you'd care to admit? Time to put that puppy down, missy, and focus on the people who matter. Engage with your loved ones, look 'em in the eye, slow right down. No matter how hard it is, put your worries on the back burner and recharge with a moment of connection.

It's Not a Race

Comparison kills, darlin'. Your focus should be on you, hokey smokes! Let go of the "should" statements – "I should be perfect," for instance – and start embracing who you are. Life ain't about reaching the finish line; it's the journey that counts, Babe.

Bye Bye, Money Woes

Moolah stressin' you out? Start talking about financial goals with your family – set a budget and stick to it. Make life easy for yourself by setting bills to auto-pay online. That way, you'll know exactly what's coming your way each month and can breathe a sigh of relief.

Time for Some 'Me Time'

You're probably taking care of everyone else in your life, but do you ever remember the last time you took care of yourself? Make self-care automatic by linking it to your daily routines – brush your teeth, take your vitamins, and then lavish in a favorite self-care activity. And don't forget to take some time for yourself, darlin'. You deserve it!

References:

[1] Susan Albers. (2014). Eat Q Quiet Your Mind. Retrieved from https://www.susanalbers.com/eat-q

[2] Susan Albers. (2018). 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food. Retrieved from https://www.susanalbers.com/50-ways-to-soothe-yourself-without-food

[3] Joan Borysenko. (1997). Minding the Body, Mending the Mind. Retrieved from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/head-health-mental-health/mindfulness-anxiety-and-stress-reduction

[4] Helene Emsellem. (2017). The Dramatic Connection Between Stress and Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/stress-and-sleep.htm

[5] Susan Albers. (2015). The Mindfulness Companion for Eating Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.susanalbers.com/mindfulness-eating-disorders

[6] Susan Albers. (2010). Chill: Stress-Reduction Techniques for a More Calmful, Mindful Life. Retrieved from https://www.susanalbers.com/chill

[7] Susan Albers. (2018). The Mindfulness Journal: A Wake-Up Call to Raise Your Consciousness, Inspire Positivity, and Embrace Inner Peace. Retrieved from https://www.susanalbers.com/mindfulness-journal

In the fight against stress, it's recommended to avoid turning to food as a coping mechanism, as Psychologist Susan Albers suggests it only provides a fleeting sense of relief before leading to guilt.
Women are often reported to experience work stress more acutely, and it's crucial to remember the big picture when faced withใ