Posted on May 20, 2008 in Latest News
Stress is a living reality. One has to cope up with it in day-to-day activities. One cannot avoid it. Women respond to it differently as compared to men. They do encounter several health problems on account of it. As mothers, they have to cope up with children. If they are working, then they have to balance home and office work. In case they are into a relationship, then they have to constantly strive to keep it going. Much effort is required in any given situation, and this causes stress. Let us understand what women under- go during stress and how they cope up with it.
Why Women Under Go Stress?
- Women have to cope up with pressures from relationships with men. If the man understands, then they can sail through a situation quite comfortably. In case, he refuses to cooperate and is overbearing, then she has a rough ride. In relationships, she faces competition from other women at times. She has to strive hard to keep the relationship. She has to ensure that her man does not fall for another woman. This can cause much stress. A broken relationship is very stressful
- As a mother, she has much to cope up with her children. She has to ensure that her children are well taken care of. She spends a lot of time with them. She has to provide them with adequate attention. Shouldering such a responsibility can be quite stressful. As a housewife, her husband has certain expectations of her. She is often under stress to meet up to those expectations
- Hormones make a lot of difference. When under stress, men produce androgens such as testosterones as well as stress hormone cortisol. Based on animal studies, females produce oxytocin, which results in relaxation and less fear, and also reduces some aspects in the fight to flight tendency
- Women are exposed to domestic violence and others forms of violence such as molestation and rape. They face much stress on account of these situations. Women are considered to be vulnerable and men take advantage of it
- Women also often experience stress in trying to be attractive to the opposite sex. They are often worried about their sexuality. Competing with other women may take its toll on their health. They either use too much makeup to hide their deficiencies or wear clothes which are too revealing and can draw the attention of men
How Do Women Cope up With Stress?
- Many take part in physical activities. They exercise. Physical activities such as swimming, walking, aerobic exercises etc. all relieve one of stress. Playing games such as tennis, badminton are also good stress relievers
- Many women meditate. They spend time with ‘gurus’ to share their inner worries and tensions
- Yoga is also very popular among women. It keeps them physically and mentally active
- Some women like to relax at the spa. It is refreshing and improves health
- Interesting hobbies like music, dancing takes one’s mind off from day-to-day problem
- Professional help also helps to relieve stress. Counseling can help one cope up with one’s problems
- Sharing problems with a friend is also a good way to release one’s stress. Family and friends have a role to play in resolving issues
- A working- woman has to balance work and home. She has to prioritize her responsibilities
Women have their own ways of coping up with stress. They encounter different problems as compared to men. They have to find their own solutions to cope up with these problems. Stresses and strains are inevitable. One cannot escape from them. One has to sensibly face them. Either cope up with them or avoid them. But avoiding them does not solve the problem. It may aggravate a given situation.
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