How We Stress and Why it Matters
April is Stress Awareness Month but for me stress is a constant companion.
April is Stress Awareness Month and to no one's surprise, women in America are stressed. The American Psychological Association (APA) 2023 Stress in America survey finds women continue to report higher stress levels than men and need more support.
And this has serious health consequences for women. Some research suggests women are more likely to internalize stress that can lead to more physical and mental disorders. Men on the other hand tend "to externalize it in the form of aggression or impulsivity,” according to APA.
Take a look at these numbers:
APA’s October 2023 Stress in America survey, which included a nationally representative sample of more than 3,000 adults, women reported a higher average level of stress than men (5.3 versus 4.8 out of 10) and were more likely to rate their stress levels between an 8 and a 10 than men (27% versus 21%).
In 2023, People of all genders reported that health and finances were top sources of stress. But women were more likely than men to report feeling “consumed” by money woes (50% versus 44%).
Women were also more likely than men to cite family responsibilities (58% versus 52%) and relationships (49% versus 44%) as key stressors in their lives. Source: APA.
I know these stats too well because stress and I have been in an intense affair for most of my adult life. I used to "run on stress." I was addicted to it. I thought it made my work better. I was so wrong.
Even though I write and advocate on women's health and rights, I completely neglected my own health. This year, I am finally taking my mental and physical health seriously because as I experience my 40s, I want to be the healthiest version of myself--inside and out.
Yes, all the stuff they say is true! But the best part of taking care of yourself is that you can literally feel the difference. This year, I finally started therapy and working out regularly. Those are two things I ran from in my 30s, but no más.
How does stress show up in your life? Are we getting better at recognizing and managing it?