As we celebrate National Women’s Health Week (May 11-17), it’s a perfect opportunity to shine a light on an often overlooked aspect of women’s health—stress management. As a therapist, I see firsthand how stress can impact mental and physical well-being. Women, in particular, often juggle multiple roles—caregiver, professional, partner, and friend—leaving little time to focus on their own mental health. During this week, I encourage women to take a step back, reflect on their stress levels, and implement strategies for better mental well-being.

Why Stress Management Matters

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on our health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments like headaches, digestive issues, or sleep disturbances. It’s important to understand that stress is not just a mental challenge—it affects your body and your overall well-being. By recognizing and managing stress effectively, you can improve both your emotional and physical health.

Tips for Managing Stress During National Women’s Health Week

Here are some practical tips to help manage stress and improve your mental well-being during this special week (and beyond):

Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Taking the time to rest, recharge, and engage in activities that bring you joy is essential to maintaining your mental health. Whether it's taking a walk, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones, make sure to carve out time for yourself. When you prioritize your well-being, you’ll be better equipped to handle stress in the long term.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce stress by calming the mind and body. These practices allow you to focus on the present moment, breaking the cycle of overthinking and worry. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing or stretching each day can make a world of difference in reducing stress levels.
Set Boundaries
As women, we often have a tendency to say yes to everything—whether it’s taking on extra work, helping others, or managing family responsibilities. But setting boundaries is essential for maintaining your mental health. Learn to say no when necessary, and don’t feel guilty about it. Setting limits helps preserve your energy and prevents burnout.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat stress. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters, and helps you feel more balanced. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout—taking a walk, practicing yoga, or dancing to your favorite music can help reduce tension and improve your mood.
Stay Connected
Social support is crucial for mental well-being. Talking with friends, family, or a therapist can provide emotional relief and help you gain perspective on challenging situations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You don’t have to navigate stress alone.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice when life gets busy, but lack of sleep can exacerbate stress and anxiety. Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your body recover and recharge. Establishing a bedtime routine, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a calm sleep environment can improve the quality of your rest.
Eat a Balanced Diet
The food we eat plays a direct role in how we feel. A well-balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help stabilize your mood and energy levels. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugar, as these can increase anxiety and make stress harder to manage.

Remember: You Deserve Self-Care

During National Women’s Health Week, take the time to reflect on how you can prioritize your mental health and well-being. Managing stress is not about eliminating it completely, but rather learning how to cope with it in healthy, effective ways. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of others and show up as your best self in all areas of life.

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place