Stress management strategies for the overwhelmed woman
Modern society, filled with the demands of our careers, family responsibilities and keeping up with the Jones’ on social media, it seems only normal that we all experience stress and burnout at some stage. The amount of effort expected from women globally sometimes seems insurmountable yet we continue to manage, albeit hanging by a thread. We do not need to live that way. Listed below are just some of the stress management strategies proven to lower cortisol levels and calm oneself down.
- Color yourself calm
Embrace your inner child and invest in an adult coloring book or, better yet, print out whatever design you like from the internet to color in. This activity from our childhood has proven successful in lowering blood pressure, improving memory and mood as well as boosting the immune system.
- Inhale the good, exhale everything else
Deep breathing techniques are routinely used globally in meditation and grounding practices to reduce stress levels and bring calm to oneself. Try inhaling for 4 seconds, holding it for 4 more and releasing for 8 seconds. The longer the exhale, the more your parasympathetic nervous system activates and signals to the body that it is time to “rest and digest.”
- Seek sun over screens
Regular vitamin D exposure, either through sunlight or supplements, can boost your overall mood, brain function and immune system. Seasonal Affective Disorder (more commonly known as seasonal depression) is directly linked to lowered levels of vitamin D. Moreover, blue light from screens can induce headaches and reduce melatonin (the sleep hormone) production, which no one enjoys.
- Quit Doomscrolling
Clickbait catches us all. However it is important that we know when to stop actively consuming negativity online. Seek out accounts that share information on topics that bring you joy and peace as opposed to things that make you feel insecure and unworthy.
Stress is a natural part of life but knowing how to manage it is a skill we must learn through our experiences. This blog is a safe space for people to learn and explore ways to help themselves through life.
Peace, Love, & Transparency
-Dr. Douglas