Why are work-related stress levels among women 45% higher than men? More importantly, how can we address this?
At Lifeshaper we recognise that stress, in a range of different forms, often disproportionately targets women. This can often be attributed to the ‘double burden’ women face, in which they must balance their careers alongside domestic and organisational tasks that they continue to carry. In this regard, success in both of these spheres is difficult to maintain, where male colleagues are afforded time to network and secure their position, female colleagues who have other domestic commitments are frequently dismissed as viable candidates for senior responsibilities. Furthermore, women who are high achievers in many spheres are often critical, motivated and seek perfection, although these make for an excellent employee, but can sometimes lead to high levels of stress to maintain performance. On the other hand, significant life changes, such as having a baby, the end of a relationship, relocating or bereavement can lead to a person feeling that they do not have the resources to manage the challenges they face.
Physical signs of stress can manifest within the body through stomach aches, pain, skin reactions, nausea, weight loss/gain or high blood pressure. Furthermore, the mental attitudes of an individual can be affected in terms of eating, exercise, socialisation and substance abuse. Although acute stress, in one-off stressful situations, will not cause long term damage and are fairly common, chronic stress over long periods of time can lead to mental and physical damage. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals experiencing signs of chronic stress utilise effective methods to relieve this load, in order to prevent long-term damage.
To mark Stress Awareness Month in April, Lifeshaper has put together practical tips to help women manage the stress of balancing multiple responsibilities.
- Name the stress: Writing down your stress can help you clearly identify what’s making you unhappy and begin to process it more rationally.
- Talk it out: Talking to someone you trust, whether a friend, family member, colleague, or professional, can help you feel lighter and gain clarity on how to manage stress in your life.
- Prioritise your choices: Choosing healthier habits like improved sleep and regular gentle exercise can support lower blood pressure and prevent stress from manifesting physically.
- Redefine success: Success doesn’t come from perfection. Often, directing your energy toward one area at a time with intention can bring more fulfilment and balance.
If you’re experiencing signs of stress or a loss of identity while trying to balance your responsibilities, Lifeshaper is here to support you.