High powered women often learn how to manage signs of stress early on in their careers.

Recent studies show that women experience up to two times more stress compared to men. The Journal of Brain and Behavior confirms this in a study they created last 2016.

More women in management positions also learn to adapt surface acting as a way to cope with office stress.

Surface acting involves faking emotions they show at work to cope with stress.

Doing this can lead to negative emotions, triggering physical, mental, and emotional distress. And the sad part is, almost everyone is suffering in silence.

This can lead to depression, chronic pains, illnesses, and even death.

Here are four signs of stress you should never ignore.

Physical Symptoms of Stress

Our bodies release hormones that trigger our fight or flight response under stress.

The nervous system pumps adrenaline and cortisol causing faster heart beats. It also raises your blood pressure and sugar levels. It may even disrupt your digestive processes.

Because of this, you may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. You may also experience headaches and nausea and even get sick frequently.

Persistent high cortisol levels also increase a person’s risk for diabetes mellitus, lowered immune system, obesity, hormonal imbalance, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic health conditions.

Emotional Symptoms of Stress

Most people who go through distress can become unstable. Some experience mood swings, irritability, or agitation. Others feel anxious and overwhelmed.

High powered women are prone to experiencing stress disorders.

But unlike men, women also go through cycles in a month. Different hormone levels can also affect moods and productivity levels.

Managing a family can also affect a woman’s stress response.

Women who recently gave birth are prone to Post Partum Disorder. In extreme cases, it can prompt new mothers to harm themselves and others.

The problem with this is that some may not be aware that it exists. Some may see it as a nuisance, and may not address it as a concern.

If left unassisted, these symptoms may lead to clinical depression and anxiety disorders.

Cognitive Symptoms of Stress

Stress can also affect brain function and cognitive processing.

In an article by Dr. James Cartreine, stress and depression can impair attention and decision-making skills. It can also affect your cognitive flexibility and executive functioning.

Chronic stress can also lead to higher levels of cortisol which can damage the brain. It can also alter the brain’s neural networks and affect its higher functions. Cortisol can also trigger stem cells to malfunction and prevent us from learning and memorizing new information.

This can lead to poor performance at work, which can cause further stress and anxiety in the person.

Behavioral Symptoms of Stress

We all have coping mechanisms when it comes to managing the signs of stress. And some can become a bad habit that can be difficult to get rid of.

Some women get into the habit of overeating or eating less. Others use smoking, alcohol or even take drugs to help them relax.

There are some who resort to sleeping too much or too little. Some develop nervous ticks like nail biting or pacing when stressed.

When tasks or challenges become too complicated, some procrastinate or neglect their responsibilities to avoid it.

These coping mechanisms can cause more harm than good. For one, overeating can cause one to gain weight and affect self-esteem. Smoking, drinking, and drugs can also result in different illnesses.

How to Cope with Stress Naturally

Fortunately, there are alternative ways to cope with stress naturally. Here’s how you can do it.

Breathe

Breathing is the easiest and fastest way to relieve stress.

Deep breathing can help regulate heart beat faster and reverse the body’s stress response. In fact, it’s been so effective that the method has been prescribed to PTSD patients to help regulate their emotions.

Learn more about how to do deep breathing exercises properly here.

Exercise

It is said the exercise can work as well as medication when it comes to stress relief.

The body releases endorphins whenever we exercise. Endorphins are our body’s natural painkillers and happy hormones. That’s why you feel more energized and happier even if you feel sore all over.

And because most exercises require repetitive, rhythmic movements, it also helps the brain to relax.

Too busy to exercise? Here are 10 tips you can do to squeeze exercising to your busy schedule.

Delegate

Delegation can help you manage your tasks better and relieve the stress at work and at home too.
The problem is, not everyone is comfortable with delegation especially at work. But delegation can actually help you become a better manager.

Assigning trivial tasks to others can free up your time to do what you do best. It develops autonomy in your team. It also helps strengthen relationships and build trust among you and your team members.

Delegating tasks can also do wonders for your home. Assigning kids and other family members with tasks can increase self-sufficiency and independence. It can also teach them to be more responsible for their actions and instill discipline in them.

Detox

There are two ways that you can help your body detoxify. One is through food, water, and other supplements. The other is through detoxification treatments and procedures.

Heavy metals like mercury, aluminum, nickel, arsenic, and lead exist in the things we use every day. From tin cans, frying pans, and even makeup, our regular exposure to these chemicals can affect our productivity and overall health.

Detoxification programs are especially beneficial for highly stressed individuals.

Treatments like colon cleanse, heavy metal detox, and IV Nutrient therapy can help the body get rid of unwanted toxins naturally. Smokers, alcohol drinkers, and those who work in fields like dentistry, automotive repair, or anyone working with paint and industrial chemicals can benefit most from this treatment.

Ask for help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it would be best to ask for help from a friend, a loved one or a professional.

Get a coach to help you with your challenges, or go to counseling to get things off your chest. There are hotlines you can call if you’re not comfortable talking face to face, and all concerns can remain anonymous.

You can also go for a healthy lifestyle consultation service in health and wellness centers in the metro.

Centro Holistico Integrative Health and Wellness is one of the best wellness specialists in Manila. The company’s goal is to provide its patients with both traditional western medicine methods and complementary and alternative medical treatments and theories.

Get access to different holistic health programs that can help you relieve stress, improve body composition, and calm your mind. Get rid of bad habits like smoking and manage your weight easier through holistic treatments.

Book an appointment today! Learn more about how to manage signs of stress. Contact our wellness centers in Alabang or Pasig for more information.

4 Signs of Stress Every Woman Should Never Ignore