The global economy has changed dramatically in the last few decades, with women’s participation in leadership roles increasing constantly. Today, there are more women than ever before who have successfully climbed the corporate ladder and made a name for themselves in their respective industries.
As per the Women CEOs in America Report, 8.8% of CEOs in the Fortune 500 were women till the summer of 2022. The representation has changed to 9% in September 2022, implying the shift towards gender equality in leadership roles among the top companies.
However, this rise to the top comes with a price: stress. Working long hours and juggling multiple responsibilities can take a toll on your mental health and well-being. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues if left unchecked.
Fortunately, there are many effective ways for busy businesswomen to deal with stress so that it doesn’t take over their lives. Here are four of them:
Use Recreational and Medical Cannabis
When you’re running a business, finding time for things like going on vacation or getting a massage can be hard. That’s why we think that recreational cannabis is the perfect solution for busy businesswomen who need to de-stress.
Cannabis helps you relax and focus at the same time, so it’s great for people who work long hours or have a lot of responsibilities. It will help you unwind without interfering with your ability to do your job well; sometimes, it might even make you more productive.
If you’re looking for a more medicinal way to reduce stress and anxiety, we recommend using medical cannabis instead. Medical cannabis can help with insomnia and depression, as well as chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
In the US, mothers are popularizing the concept of using marijuana as a way of dealing with their stress. In addition, moms who choose to partake in marijuana are famously called “Marijuana Moms.” According to data compiled by Headset, cannabis or marijuana sales have increased for both men and women since 2020. It was found that sales to women have increased by 55% from early 2020 to late 2021.
As more women turn to marijuana to cope with their stress, they’re also helping to normalize its use in the US. The use of recreational marijuana is legal in 19 states, Washington D.C. and Guam, while its medical use is legal in 38 states. These numbers and legal status act as the catalyst for women in leadership positions to consume these substances to relieve stress.
Exercise Daily – Let Sweat Kills the Stress
Stress is a normal part of life, but it can be especially hard for businesswomen to manage. The pressure of running a company can be overwhelming, so taking care of yourself is critical to avoid burnout.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and keep your mind clear. If you don’t have time for an intense gym session, try walking or yoga at least three times a week. Exercise releases endorphins that help your body feel better and lower your blood pressure, which can reduce stress levels.
According to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 71st Annual scientific session, individuals with depression or anxiety, who followed a regular routine of physical activity, witnessed doubled cardiovascular benefits.
That’s why it’s important for business women to make time for exercise in their daily lives, as Mckinsey revealed that senior women leaders suffer from a higher rate of burnout, chronic stress, and exhaustion.
If you can’t carve out an hour each day, try doing 10 minutes here and there. Remember that taking care of yourself means more than just getting enough sleep. It also means eating right and staying hydrated.
In order to stay healthy while running a business full-time, it’s important to prioritize the things that matter most: your health.
Take Regular Breaks From Your Busy Schedule
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of your business, but it’s important to remember that you can’t work 24/7. If you push yourself too hard, you’ll burn out and not be able to function at all.
If you’re a businesswoman looking to reduce stress, taking regular breaks is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Here are some tips on how to make sure they don’t go to waste:
- Set aside time every day for yourself
- Take a walk outside or do something fun like going out for coffee with friends
- Take a nap if you need one
- Plan ahead for stressful days, so you don’t get caught off guard by unexpected events at work
Limit Screen Time
One of the major steps to reducing stress is to limit your screen time. This means no more scrolling through Instagram, no more looking at the news, and definitely no more playing games on your phone.
Here are some ways to limit screen time:
- Set a time limit for yourself. If you are going to go on social media or check emails between 9 AM and 5 PM, set those limits for these tasks and try not to use them after these hours.
- Put your phone away when you’re with friends or family. If you’re sitting down to dinner with your family or friends, put away the phone. You don’t want them thinking about how much time you spend on it rather than enjoying their company.
- Don’t let your phone beep at night when you’re trying to sleep. Limit notifications from apps that send push notifications so they don’t wake you up in the middle of the night or distract you during meetings with clients who could be waiting for an important email response from them later today.
Wrapping Up
If you’re a businesswoman, you know how hard you work. But sometimes, all of that hard work can lead to stress and anxiety.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. These four effective ways to deal with the stress that accompanies a successful businesswoman will help get your mind right so that you can focus on the things that matter most: your business and yourself.