Women who don’t know how to cope with stress usually display these 8 behaviors, according to psychology

Think about the last time you felt overwhelmed. Did you snap at someone for no reason, or maybe you found yourself endlessly scrolling through social media to escape your thoughts?

These are just a few ways stress can show up in our lives.

Many women, when faced with stress, develop habits that are counterproductive to their well-being.

It’s not uncommon, but recognizing these patterns is the first step to addressing them.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, learning about these eight behaviors could help you understand how stress is affecting you—and how to manage it more effectively.

1) Overthinking

First up is the nasty yet very common habit of overthinking.

Women who struggle with stress frequently fall into this trap. They replay situations in their minds, question their actions, and worry about potential outcomes. It’s like a hamster wheel that just keeps spinning.

The problem with overthinking is that it can exacerbate stress levels rather than alleviate them. It creates a vicious cycle where the initial stressor is amplified by the constant rumination.

So, if you notice a woman in your life frequently caught up in her thoughts or expressing excessive worry about everyday situations, it could be a sign she’s struggling to manage her stress.

2) Trouble sleeping

Here’s something I’ve personally grappled with – sleep disturbances.

Research shows a clear link between stress and sleep disturbances or insomnia.

True enough, as someone who usually loves her beauty sleep, it was alarming when I started having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

It felt like my mind was a highway of thoughts, preventing me from sinking into the peaceful slumber I craved.

 What’s more, it’s a vicious cycle. According to Dr. Annie Wilson, assistant professor of neurology and of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine:

“High levels of stress impair sleep by prolonging how long it takes to fall asleep and fragmenting sleep. Sleep loss triggers our body’s stress response system, leading to an elevation in stress hormones, namely cortisol, which further disrupts sleep.” 

So, if you or a woman you know has been wrestling with sleep issues, it might be more than just discomfort. It could be a sign that stress is not being managed effectively.

3) Neglecting self-care

Another behavior often observed in women who are grappling with stress is a disregard for self-care. This can be as subtle as skipping meals or as noticeable as neglecting personal hygiene.

When the mind is overwhelmed with stress, it becomes easy to overlook the importance of taking care of one’s own physical and emotional needs. The urgent thoughts and worries take precedence, pushing self-care to the sidelines.

So, if you notice a woman who usually takes pride in her appearance suddenly neglecting her personal care, or someone who loves food skipping meals, take that as a sign that she could very well be stressed out.

4) Lack of mindfulness

Mindfulness, or the art of being fully present and engaged in the moment, often takes a backseat when stress levels run high.

Many women dealing with stress find themselves caught in a whirlwind of past regrets and future anxieties, unable to focus on the here and now. They may be constantly distracted, always worrying about the next thing on their list, or unable to enjoy the present moment

This lack of mindfulness can further compound the feelings of stress and unease.

Interestingly, cultivating mindfulness can be a powerful way to manage and reduce stress. In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I delve into the myriad ways mindfulness can help navigate life’s stresses more effectively.

Encouraging the practice of mindfulness could be a significant step towards dealing with this stress. And that’s where my book could come in handy. It’s designed to help anyone, especially those grappling with stress, embrace the power of living in the moment.

5) Changes in social behavior

Navigating social situations can become a daunting task when dealing with high levels of stress. I remember a time when I found myself withdrawing from social activities and interactions, even with close friends and family.

When stress took hold, it felt easier to isolate myself than to engage with others. Conversations felt draining, and the thought of socializing seemed overwhelming. This shift in behavior was a clear sign that the stress was getting out of hand.

It’s important to note that if you see a usually sociable woman becoming increasingly withdrawn or avoiding social situations, it could be a sign she’s struggling to cope with stress.

Understanding these changes can provide a starting point for offering support or seeking professional help.

6) Increased productivity

This one might come as a surprise. Often, women dealing with stress may actually exhibit increased productivity.

Wait, isn’t stress supposed to hamper performance? Well, not always. Sometimes, the pressure of stress can create a false sense of urgency that drives women to work harder and accomplish more.

This hyper-productivity can appear positive on the surface but can be detrimental in the long run. It can lead to burnout and compound the stress they are already grappling with.

Real talk — constant hustle without rest isn’t a badge of honor but a ticking time bomb. Balance is key.

7) Frequent irritability

It’s not uncommon for women struggling with stress to display frequent irritability or mood swings.

When the mind is constantly occupied with worries and anxieties, it can lead to a shorter fuse. Small inconveniences or minor disagreements can trigger disproportionate reactions.

This isn’t about being “emotional” or “hormonal”. It’s a sign that stress is reaching an unhealthy level and is affecting emotional stability.

8) Physical symptoms

The most crucial thing to remember is that unmanaged stress often manifests in physical symptoms.

Women struggling with stress may experience headaches, stomach issues, changes in appetite, or even unexplained aches and pains. These physical signs are the body’s way of sounding an alarm that something isn’t right.

Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious health problems down the line. It’s paramount to listen to the body and seek professional help when needed.

Always remember, mental well-being isn’t separate from physical health. They’re two sides of the same coin.

Final thoughts

Stress can manifest in myriad ways, and the behaviors we’ve discussed are just a few examples. The key is to approach this understanding with empathy and compassion, offering a helping hand when needed.

Moreover, we should remember that mindfulness can play a significant role in managing stress. My book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, provides valuable insights and practical techniques to cultivate mindfulness and manage stress effectively.

Our mental well-being is as important as our physical health. Understanding stress and its effects are not just essential for those experiencing it but for everyone around them as well.

Let’s strive to foster an environment of support, understanding, and care. Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this together.