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Life for high-achieving women gets crazy with managing multiple responsibilities of work, raising families, or even caring for aging parents. It can feel like a lot, right? The endless list of tasks and emotions can create a great deal of stress, challenging even the most resilient women. I’m here to guide you through it all.

Before we look at ways to make life less stressful, let's take a closer look at what stress really is. It’s your body's way of saying, "Let's hit the reset button." As someone who experienced chronic stress and habitual burnout for over a year, understanding the signs and symptoms is crucial. We'll discuss the physical and emotional signals, so you are better prepared to deal with stress when it shows up.

So, get ready for the first part of our chat: "Understanding Stress." We'll break down what stress is, and you'll pick up some techniques for your toolbox to manage it better.

Think of me as your guide on this journey. We'll work through it together, and you'll see that even in the toughest moments, you've got what it takes to face stress head-on and prevent burnout.
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Stress is like an internal alarm system, a signal from your body that things might be getting a bit too much to manage. Imagine it as your body's way of saying, "Let's pause for a moment." For high-achieving women like you, who are used to juggling multiple responsibilities, stress can sneak up quietly or hit you like a wave. It's important to recognize these signals early on, so you can take steps to navigate through it before it becomes overwhelming.
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1. Physical Signs:

Trouble Sleeping: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can be a common sign of stress.

Headaches or Stomach Issues: Stress can manifest physically, leading to headaches, stomachaches, or digestive issues.

Tense Muscles: You might notice your muscles feeling tight or achy, especially in your neck, shoulders, or back.

I experienced all the above symptoms over a prolonged period. I was getting 3 to 4 hours of broken sleep for months and months. I had constant headaches, and my neck and shoulders were always achy.

2. Emotional Signs:

Increased Irritability: Feeling more irritable or short-tempered than usual, even over small things.

Mood Swings: Experiencing mood swings, from feeling on top of the world to suddenly being overwhelmed or sad.

Overthinking or Constant Worry: Constantly worrying about the future or replaying scenarios in your mind.

I was on an emotional roller coaster, constantly worrying and irritable towards my family for several months. I did not recognize myself because I had always been able to manage my emotions in the past.

3. Cognitive Warning Signs:

Forgetfulness: Stress can affect your memory, making you more forgetful or easily distracted.

Negative Thinking: An increase in negative thoughts or a pessimistic outlook on situations.

Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to focus on tasks or make decisions.

I was forgetful and had a foggy brain. I could not remember simple things, like where my keys were. I had difficulty concentrating on tasks that were normally easy for me to do. Managing my family’s calendar of activities became an impossible task.

4. Behavioral Changes:

Changes in Appetite: Stress can affect your appetite, leading to overeating or a lack of interest in food.

Social Withdrawal: Feeling the need to isolate yourself from friends or loved ones.

Increased Substance Use: Turning to substances like caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine more than usual.

I stopped working out and stopped visiting friends. It was easier for me to isolate myself.

If you are reading this blog, you are experiencing stress and looking for relief. I have been where you are currently. Recognizing these signs is the first step in managing stress effectively.

By being aware of what your body and mind are telling you, you can take steps to ease the pressure and find a healthier balance and harmony in your life. In the next part of our journey, we'll explore practical techniques to tackle stress head-on.
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Credit: Unsplash+ in collaboration with Thais Varela

10 Practical Tips: Stress Relief for Busy High-Achieving Women

I want to offer you 10 practical strategies for your busy schedule that you can integrate into your daily routine to relieve stress and prevent burnout:

1. Micro-Moments of Self-Care:
Incorporate small self-care moments throughout the day, even if they're brief. It could be enjoying a cup of tea, taking a few deep breaths, or spending a few minutes on a hobby. These micro-moments add up and provide essential breaks for relaxation. I add five 5-minutes into my schedule daily that are reserved just for me.

2. Prioritize Sleep:

Deep, restorative sleep is critical to reducing your level of stress, managing your emotions, and giving you the energy and brain power you need to function during the day. Ensure you prioritize quality sleep. Establish a bedtime routine for yourself that includes winding down activities. Sufficient and restful sleep is a fundamental pillar for stress management and overall well-being.

3. Gratitude Practice:

Cultivate a gratitude practice. Each day, reflect on three things you're grateful for. It could be simple moments, accomplishments, or the support you receive. Focusing on gratitude can shift your mindset, foster a positive outlook, and reduce stress. This one single activity shifted my perspective during the most stressful time in my life. It made me realize how much I had to be grateful for daily.

4. Quick Physical Activity Bursts:

Movement is so important for human beings. We were not meant to be stagnant. Sneak in quick bursts of physical activity throughout the day. Whether it's a short walk or stretching, physical activity is a powerful stress reliever and energy booster. I do short power walks throughout the day. I break them up in 5-10-minute intervals, so they are much more manageable for me.

5. Delegate and Share Responsibilities:

Don't hesitate to delegate tasks and share responsibilities with family members. Whether it's assigning chores to kids or asking for help from your partner, sharing the load can significantly reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. At my house, we share the responsibilities. Along with that, I let go of perfectionism or the need to have it done just the way I like it. Good is good enough.

6. Flexible Planning:

Embrace flexible planning instead of rigid schedules. Allow room for unexpected events and be kind to yourself if things don't go as planned. Flexibility reduces stress associated with the pressure of adhering to a strict timetable. While we have a packed schedule due to all the kids’ activities, there have been moments when we have missed something and that is okay. We also leave room for downtime in the schedule so we can recoup our energy.

7. Connect with Friends and Family:

Social connectedness is key because it can help us live longer, and improve our health and emotional well-being. Create a support network with others who understand the challenges you face. Whether it's through local groups, online communities, or even friends, sharing experiences and tips can be both cathartic and helpful in finding new coping strategies.

8. Mindful Mealtime:

Turn mealtime into a mindful experience. Instead of rushing through, savor the moments. Consider involving your children in meal preparation, making it a collaborative and enjoyable activity. This not only eases your workload but also creates positive family moments. I understand that schedules are busy. At least twice a week, we sit down as a family and eat and talk. No one is allowed to leave until the last person finishes. And no electronics at the table.

9. Expressive Writing:

There is something beautiful about pen to paper. Allocate a few minutes each day to write. Jot down your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. This act of self-expression can be a therapeutic release, helping you process emotions and gain clarity.

10. Tech-Free Time:

Designate a specific time of the day as tech-free either by yourself or with your family. Disconnect from electronic devices. Use this time for a micro-moment with yourself or to engage with your family without distractions.

Conclusion: Building Stress Resilience and Avoiding Burnout

Let's recap. Think of stress as your body’s way of asking you to take a breather. We've uncovered the signs and symptoms – subtle cues from our bodies signaling the need to refuel.

We delved into ten effective tips. From micro-moments of self-care to tech-free time.

Consider these as your toolbox of techniques you can use at any time to reduce your stress levels and prevent burnout.

Think of it as an experiment and uncover what truly works for you. It’s progress over perfection.
You've got the tools – now go conquer, warrior woman.

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Transforming your life starts with a single step. Choose the option that resonates with you, and let's embark on this journey together.


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