Stress and it's effect on women.

Everytime I think about the duties and responbilities the  21st century woman passes through I always give kudos to the way we multi-task to attain the role of a great wife,wonderful mother and achiever in our various fields.But one of the things that affects our well being is stress.
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What Is Stress?
Stress is the body's reaction to harmful
situations -- whether they’re real or
perceived. When you feel threatened, a
chemical reaction occurs in your body that
allows you to act in a way to prevent injury.
This reaction is known as "fight-or-flight,” or
the stress response. During stress response,
your heart begins to race, breathing quickens,
muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises.
You’ve gotten ready to act. It is how you
protect yourself.



According to a recent survey by the American
Psychological Association, stress is on the rise
for women. Women are more likely to report
having stress, and almost 50% of all women in
the survey, compared to 39% of the men,
reported that their stress had increased over
the past 5 years. 9 Stress also has unique
effects on women. A recent NICHD study
found that stress might reduce a woman’s
chance of becoming pregnant.



Why do some experts feel that women are
particularly susceptible to stress?
Women are socialized to be the caretakers of
others. More women than men have both a
career outside the home and continue to try to
juggle traditional responsibilities after hours.
Over 70% of married women with children
under the age of 18 are employed outside the
home. Sociologists describe women as
struggling to achieve the "male standard" at
work, while trying to maintain the perfect wife
and mother standards at home.


What are some common signs of stress?
Everyone responds to stress a little
differently. Your symptoms may be different
from someone else’s. Here are some of the
signs to look for:
Not eating or eating too much
Feeling like you have no control
Needing to have too much control
Forgetfulness
Headaches
Lack of energy
Lack of focus
Trouble getting things done
Poor self-esteem
Short temper
Trouble sleeping
Upset stomach
Back pain

General aches and pains
These symptoms may also be signs of
depression or anxiety, which can be caused by
long-term stress.


What activities can help relieve stress?
Here are some examples of activities that can
help to refresh the body and mind:
Taking baths
Reading
Doing breathing exercises
Receiving back rubs/massages
Listening to relaxation tapes
Writing in a journal
Meeting with a friend
Napping
Walking
Dancing
Engaging in spiritual reflection
Stretching
Listening to music
Finding it hard to untangle?
Seek a little help:
Individual psychotherapy
Support group therapy
Biofeedback
Relaxation training



References:
WebMD Medical Reference
Womenhealth.gov
Cleveland Clinic