Stress and the Professional Woman

Sunday, March 20, 2011


I have a confession to make. We’ve known each other for a while, so I feel like I can be honest with my fellow Divas. One of the primary reasons I decided to start the Martini Chronicles was to relieve stress. There, I said it! The truth is that being a professional and dealing with the everyday ups and downs of Corporate America usually brings unintended and unwanted stress. Not good! Stress can have negative effects on your physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, chronic stress can trigger headaches, chest pain, and elevated blood pressure. Additionally, stress can be attributed to insomnia and alcohol/substance abuse, as well as physical aches and pains. For professional women of child-bearing age, like me, stress can also be a contributing factor in infertility.

Needless to say, it is imperative that professional women find ways to avoid and relieve the daily stress we encounter, both at home and in the work place. In the spirit of sharing, as always, I wanted to share some of the ways I have chosen to deal with stress (as well as some that I intend to try). My hope is that at least one of these stress-relievers will help you. If you have other suggestions, please share!


1. Write It Out! – Starting the Martini Chronicles has been so therapeutic! The practice of writing my feelings down on paper has allowed me to express, in words, those things that bother me, or worry me, or stress me. Also, because I am determined to share the most current and accurate information with my readers and followers, the Chronicles have forced me to research some of these bothersome issues and learn more about them (i.e. stress). All in all, writing has given me an outlet to express myself and relieve some stress. Try it!

2. Walk It Out! – Right outside my house, there is a huge park…complete with walking trails, a track, an ice skating rink, a pond, and ducks! Moreover, this park is absolutely beautiful in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. During these times, I strap up my beloved dog and my trusty iPod, and I go walking in the park. There’s something relaxing about nature that relieves my stress; that and the tunes playing on my iPod. Strangely, I get my best ideas when I’m walking in the park…like the idea for this post!

3. Work It Out! – It is a scientific fact that exercising releases endorphins, which triggers feeling of happiness and well being. Happiness is a great way to relieve stress! And you’d be really happy when you fit into a smaller dress size as a result of all the exercise. Remember, any type of exercise will do…running, walking, cycling, dancing, weight lifting, etc.


4. Soak It Out! – Grab your favorite bubble bath, pour it in warm, running bath water, get in the bath, and…that’s it! Do nothing! Just sit in a warm bubble bath, and relax away your stress. Want to bump it up a notch? Before getting in the bath, light a few scented candles, dim the lights, and turn on some soothing music. Don’t forget your eye mask and a towel to rest your head on while soaking.

5. Yoga It Out! – Sign up for a yoga class. I haven’t done so yet, but I’m thinking about it! My fellow Divas who have taken yoga rave about its relaxation and meditative properties. They all have said that doing yoga 2 to 3 times a week have improved their flexibility, and have also managed to help them clear their heads. Perfect! I think it’s worth a try!

6. Drive It Out! – Sometimes, a nice long drive may help to relieve stress. Now I’m not talking about driving during rush hour in New York City traffic; take a drive outside of a major city on a country or back road with the windows open (weather permitting). Pop in your favorite CD, or listen to the sound of the wind whipping through your hair. Either way, relax and drive your stress away. Remember to abide by the speed limit and all traffic laws (the lawyer in me made me say it).

When all is said and done, you have to take care of yourself. If you are all stressed out and mentally and emotionally frazzled, you are no good to yourself or others. I now recognize the importance of distressing….so I’m working on it. I’ll let you know how it goes!

25 comments:

Lanita said...

I'm with you on the driving suggestion. Fortunately, I live in the country and I drive a convertible. There is nothing like driving with the top down, the music blasting, and singing at the top of my lungs. No one is around to see or hear me...except the cows.

Kate Pantier @ Mommy Monologues said...

I quit exercising in August, who knows why?! And that is the one thing that keeps my stress levels down so I have to start doing it pronto!

Ann said...

I just found you through SITS and am going to follow you. Martini lovers have to stick together, right?

TheProDiva said...

@Ann...Yeah we do! I will look for you too!

@Kate and @Lanita...Thank for checking out my post Divas!

Lizzie said...

I definitely need to remember the motto "Too blessed to be stressed" - stress is a pointless exercise but I always seem to be flapping about something!

Jamee said...

These are great tips! Stopping by from SITS comment hour!

Jill said...

Hey! I need one of those RELAX buttons. LOL! Great blog. I'm glad I stopped by from #CommentHour

ManWifeDog said...

Bringing you the comment love DIVA! I too am too blessed to be stressed!! You know I shall return!

Man Wife and Dog Blog

Handy Man, Crafty Woman said...

Hello, found you through the SITS blog hop. Great post.

Sara said...

I love being able to drive and blast my radio and just zone out. Best stress reliever!

Newest follower on GFC would love a follow back: IDoTheeWedSara.com

twinkietotmom said...

I love this post! I'm a big "write it out" and "drive it out" kind of stress reliever. Sometimes I'd really love to "eat it out" but know that's not good for me! haha! Stopping by from the @SITS #commenthour!

Kita said...

I love that comment I am blessed and people have it worse than me. I need to take one day at a time and learn to just do what I can when I can and leave the rest for another day. Stress is no joke I always tell people if you need help just ask don't sit alone and deal with it. Nice website and love your blog.

Unknown said...

Awesome blog post! I'm stressing out like crazy right now! Planning a wedding makes me want to rip my hair out! Thanks for the ideas. Here from #commenthour

Donna Urso said...

I'm a former corporate warrior, so I understand your stress. Now I'm a blogger... and loving life!

I'm Just One Donna from www.justonedonna.com.

Susan Cook said...

trying to catch up with the #commenthour on SITS - saw that you just stopped by my blog - lol.

These are great tips! I love doing all of those. Especially the walking - that really de-stresses me!

Have a great night :)

Miss.nhm said...

did all except number 5..

it must be great to have a park right across your place..

Thanks for stopping by my Blog earlier ~

Toqua's Crafts said...

I used to be a yoga junkie! Awww...

Then I got married (again). Then we moved... and I just couldn't find a yoga instructor that was as wonderful as the one I moved away from... so...

Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier!

Stopping by from SITS Comment Hour!
Toqua of Toqua's Crafts
http://toquascrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/pine%20needle%20baskets

Caren said...

I need that RELAX key permanently attached to me!

Unknown said...

I'm with you on all the ways to relieve stress except driving. I have vision problems and driving for me is an absolute stressor. The tub, with a good historical romance, is my favorite way to relax.

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Jessica @FoundtheMarbles said...

You're so right. We should just take a moment to remember that we're too blessed to be stressed.

Unknown said...

I can't even imagine the pressures in the corporate world. Oh my goodness! What a great post filled with such practical tips. Love it!

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