From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Completing the Stress Cycle for Better Health

As a busy and driven woman, you wear many hats. You navigate deadlines, manage teams, and maybe even juggle childcare. This constant pressure can leave you feeling burnt out. But there's good news: your body is designed to handle stress, as long as you help it complete the stress cycle.

Think of it like this: imagine your stress response is a fire alarm. It's crucial in an emergency, but if the alarm keeps blaring, it becomes overwhelming. The same goes for your body! Let's explore strategies to turn off that internal alarm and rediscover your calm.

Scientific Background

Emily Nagoski, in her book "Burnout," explains that emotions are like tunnels with a beginning, middle, and end. Exhaustion happens when we get stuck in the tunnel, unable to complete the emotional journey. Your body needs to know you’re safe to shut off the stress response. This involves behaviors like deep breathing, physical activity, or positive social interactions to signal to your body that the danger has passed.

Why Completing the Stress Cycle Matters

When you're stuck in stress mode, it impacts your well-being. It can lead to:

**Physical Ailments:** Headaches, stomachaches, and trouble sleeping can derail your productivity.

**Emotional Fatigue:** Feeling drained and anxious makes it harder to navigate professional challenges.

**Diminished Focus:** You might struggle to concentrate, hindering your performance.

For women, especially moms, completing the stress cycle is vital. Women often take on caregiving roles and put others first, neglecting their own needs. This can lead to significant physical and mental health issues. Society often expects women to give their all without complaining, making it harder for them to take the time they need to recover from stress.

Compassionate Strategies for De-Stressing

By incorporating these techniques, you can complete the stress cycle and feel your best:

**Movement Matters:** Even a brisk walk during lunch can work wonders. Find activities you enjoy, whether it's dancing to your favorite music or joining a fitness class.

**Connect with Your Circle:** Social interaction is a powerful stress reliever. Chat with a colleague, have a virtual coffee date with a friend, or join a professional women's network.

**Laughter is Your Ally:** Watch a funny video, share lighthearted moments with colleagues, or find humor in everyday situations. Laughter has a proven ability to lower stress hormones.

**Embrace Creativity:** Express yourself through drawing, writing, or simply coloring in an adult coloring book. Creative activities help you unwind and tap into a sense of calm.

Complete the stress cycle

*Therapeutic Techniques:**

- **Brainspotting:** This therapy helps by using your visual field and the therapist’s attunement to process and release stored stress.

**Mind-Body Practices:**

- **Breathwork:** Practices like square breathing or alternate nostril breathing can calm your nervous system.

- **Yoga and Meditation:** These practices can help you reconnect with your body and mind, reducing stress.

**Community and Support:**

- **Support Systems:** Having a community or support system can be vital. It allows you to take care of yourself and handle life’s stressors more effectively.

Final Thoughts

Our bodies are designed to respond to stress, but it’s crucial to complete the stress cycle to avoid long-term negative effects. Women, in particular, need to be intentional about this due to societal pressures. Simple practices and self-awareness can help maintain balance and well-being. Completing the stress cycle isn’t complicated, but it’s essential for a healthy mind and body. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't a luxury, it's an investment.