Women React To Stress Differently Than
Men
WRITTEN BY, DR NIGHAT
YASIR
MSc, BHMS
Women
are more likely to experience physical symptoms of stress than
Men.
But we don’t have enough proof to say that this applies to
all
Women. We do know that women often cope with stress in
different ways
than
men. Women “tend and befriend,” taking care of those closest
to
.
them, but also drawing support from friends and family. Men are
more
likely to have the “fight or flight” response. They cope by
“escaping” into
a relaxing activity or other distraction
Men and women* report different reactions to stress, both physically
and
mentally. They attempt to manage stress in very different ways and
also
perceive their ability to do so — and the things that stand in their
way —
in markedly different ways. Findings suggest that while women are
more
likely to report physical symptoms associated with stress, they are
doing a
better job connecting with others in their lives and, at times,
these
connections are important to their stress management strategies.
The body responds to stress by releasing stress hormones. These
hormones
make blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels go up
Long-term
stress can help cause a variety of health problems, including:
• Mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety
•
Obesity
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal heart
beats
• Menstrual problems
• Acne and other skin
problems
STRATGEIES OF MANAGING STRESS
Regardless of
their sources of stress and the physical and emotional
symptoms of
stress that men and women report, both groups say they
manage their
stress in very different ways. In general, though, both men
music and
watching television to manage their stress over healthier
behaviors like
seeing a mental health professional or exercising.
Women are far more
likely than men to say that lack of willpower also
has prevented them
from changing their eating habits .
When asked what they would need to
change in order for their willpower to
improve, women were more likely
than men to say less fatigue/more energy
and more confidence in their
ability to improve
their willpower .
STRESS
RELIEVERS
If your stress is getting out of control and you need
quick relief, try one of these tips.
Go out or
Connect with others
When you're stressed and irritable, your instinct
may be to wrap yourself in a cocoon. Instead, reach out to family and friends
and make social connections.
Smile and Laugh
more
A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but it can help
you feel better, even if you have to force a fake laugh through your grumpiness.
When you laugh, it not only lightens your mental load but also causes positive
physical changes in your body. Laughter fires up and then cool down your stress
response. So read some jokes, tell some jokes, watch a comedy or hang out with
your funny friends.
Get active
Virtually
any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. Even if you're not a
player or you're out of shape, exercise is still a good stress
reliever.
Assert yourself
You might want to
do it all, but you can't, at least not without paying a price. Learning to say
no or being willing to delegate can help you manage your to-do list and your
stress
