Stress is something we can expect these days in our hectic lives. But there are ways to manage it without letting it interfere with our productivity or our health.



Stress is a part of life but it can be managed in a healthy way

Stress is a fact of life for most of us. As Dr. Karen Swartz notes in a talk posted on the Johns Hopkins Medicine YouTube channel, “stress is universal,” and even good things cause stress. Whatever its source, though, stress has a direct impact on our emotional and physical health, and of course on our ability to be as productive as we want to be. Thus understanding what stress is, what causes it, what effects it has, and--most important--what we can do about it is crucial to our ability to make a meaningfully productive life.

What is stress? 

Put simply, stress is our body’s response to events that occur in our lives. 

What are some of the sources of stress in women? 

Results of a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association include reports by women of the following sources of stress: health and finances at the top of the list; family responsibilities and relationships are reported as “key stressors”; career responsibilities and job insecurity; 

What are the symptoms of stress in women? 

According to an article on Healthline, “Women may experience stress differently from men due to a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Hormonal fluctuations, social and cultural roles, and biological vulnerabilities can influence these responses.” 

Another article cites a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association that found that “women tend to report higher levels of stress and experience more physical and emotional symptoms than men.” The APA website includes an article that notes “some research suggests women are more likely to internalize stress—leading more readily to both physical and mental disorders—while men tend to externalize it in the form of aggression or impulsivity.” 

Chronic stress can result in a multitude of symptoms in women, including emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. Those symptoms can include:

Emotional symptoms can include: 


* irritability and mood swings 
* anxiety or worry 
* depression 
* feeling overwhelmed or helpless 
* decreased interest in activities 
* decreased libido 


Physical symptoms can include: 


* headaches or migraine 
* difficulty sleeping 
* fatigue 
* changes in appetite, such as eating in excess or loss of appetite 
* muscle tension 
* back pain 
* weakened immune system 
* increased blood pressure 
* heart problems 
* digestive issues, such as stomach aches or nausea 
* menstrual irregularities or changes 
* skin issues, such as acne or rashes 


Examples of cognitive symptoms include: 


* difficulty making decisions 
* forgetfulness or brain fog 
* racing thoughts 
* difficulty focusing or staying on task


What impact does it have on our productivity?