Studies have shown that women are more likely to report their rising stress levels and are more likely to exhibit stress-related symptoms than men. So how can we work to support, uplift and empower women this year to help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being? We spoke to someone very familiar with the process of becoming more empowered and a happier person, Corie Adjmi, award-winning author of ‘Life and Other Shortcomings’, and author of the upcoming book ‘The Marriage Box’, uses the power of storytelling to uplift and empower women through their relatable, universal experiences. She shares a few ways to help lift and empower women. Corie gave us her top three tips to help reduce stress and feel more empowered this new year, and we’re so excited to start it with you. Keep reading to learn more!
Here Are Three Ways Women Can Feel Empowered and Less Stressed
1) Take care of yourself first before anyone else
You have to take care of yourself before adequately caring for others. As women, we tend to prioritize others before ourselves, but we must learn how to care for ourselves before helping others. Remember that caring for yourself is okay, and even necessary, before tending to others. For example, on a plane, you’re told to put an oxygen mask on your child before yourself; the same applies here. According to Miss Malini, “Putting yourself first usually means you take into account your own needs and feelings as well as that of others, but you do what’s best for you without causing hurt to someone else. And it’s important to do so because get this. Nobody else is going to do that for you.
2) Cherish the relationships you have and nurture them greatly
Nurture your life more than your daily checklists. Focus on your relationships and connections with people: make this a priority just as much as what you have to get done, and this ability to connect with others will reduce stress. We tend to get too wrapped up in everything that needs to get done, where we want to be, and where we are not that we forget to be thankful and find harmony in all the year has and will offer us. Wake Counseling and Meditation says, “Communication is key to any healthy relationship. If you want your relationship to prosper, you must be able to communicate well. Speak honestly when you have a problem; do not let your emotions fester. Allow your partner the freedom and space to do the same. Even when the conversation is difficult, you must discuss your issues together. When partners feel safe sharing their feelings, they can build trust and respect. You will become an even better communicator as both of you practice speaking honestly and listening well. This will help your relationship grow stronger and deeper.” Remember, a great relationship is not one-sided. You need to be able to do things for each other without anything in return and want to do those things for each other.
3) Cultivate gratitude and practice it daily
Perspective is everything. While we all know gratitude is important, how many of us prioritize it in our day? Having an attitude and practice of gratitude at work and other areas of your life can help reduce stress and stay focused on what’s important, every single day. According to Skills You Need, “Gratitude is a warm feeling of thankfulness towards the world or specific individuals. The person who feels gratitude is thankful for what they have and does not constantly seek more.” If you are a little more contentious about your life and are thankful for the things you have, you can start to rewire your brain to have happier thoughts and thought patterns. This can make you feel more empowered and have more authority over your life. This is just one of the many things you can do to ensure you feel more empowered and stressed.
