Are Women More Vulnerable to Stress?
Yes. Women do seem to be more prone to the negative consequences of chronic stress than men.
- More women suffer from stress-related illnesses, such as headaches, chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Women are more likely to respond to stressful situations by becoming depressed or anxious — in fact, women are twice as likely to suffer from clinical depression than men.
- More women have eating disorders, and stress is a major trigger for emotional eating.
- Women also suffer more from adrenal exhaustion. When our adrenal glands aren't functioning efficiently, usually due to high levels of chronic stress, we experience weakness, fatigue and exercise intolerance.
Self-Care — the Best Defense Against Stress
When you start to feel really overwhelmed, here are five time-honoured self-care tips to help you successfully cope with stress:
- Keep things in perspective. Although life may be stressful right now, focus on the good things that really matter in life.
- Don't wait to get help. Stress can take a toll on your health. If anxiety persists, seek professional guidance.
- Take time for yourself. Don't be afraid to take "me" time and don't feel guilty about it! Something as simple as pampering yourself can really make a difference. Get a haircut, take an extra-long shower and give yourself a cleansing body massage with a fragrant body wash. Buy a new lipstick or give yourself a mini home facial.
- Do something for others. Spend time with an elderly relative, bring flowers to a sick friend or serve dinner in a soup kitchen. Your problems may seem less important when you help others in need.
- Strive for balance in life. The key to tranquility in life is a clear mind, an open heart and a vital body. Taking care of ourselves enhances our beauty, energy and confidence — and it boosts our resiliency to stress.
Think of your bathroom as your own personal spa. Try these tips from Olay® to help relieve stress and prepare you to face the world:
The power shower: Add an invigourating mini-massage to your cleansing routine. Start by dispensing a generous amount of Olay Ultra Moisture In-Shower Body Lotion with Shea Butter onto a puff. Using gentle pressure, slowly massage your skin in circular motions. Continue for 30 seconds. Close your eyes and enjoy the warm water rinsing you clean. Do three consecutive neck rolls to the right and three neck rolls to the left, followed by six shoulder rolls. Finish with another 20 seconds under the shower with your eyes still closed.
The mini-facial: Fill the tub with a bubble bath or use scented bath gel in the water. While you are soaking, close your eyes and imagine yourself in an exotic tropical paradise. When you're ready to come back to the real world, use Olay Daily Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths to cleanse your face, using gentle circular motions to remove dirt and makeup while softly cleansing and exfoliating. Take a little extra time at your temples for a mini-massage. Dip the cloth in warm water to rewarm it, squeeze out excess water, spread the warm cloth over your face and relax with your eyes closed.
The grand finale: When stepping out of the tub, after gently patting your skin dry with a thick terry towel, massage Olay Total Effects Nourishing Cream Cleanser into your skin. Moisturize your face with Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream.
