With women making up 50% of the workplace (more or less, depending upon the industry), employers need to understand and support the unique ways female employees feel and respond to stress. Here’s an article written just for them.
Women are more likely than men to feel significant stress in their day-to-day lives. When we’re empowered – by developing our confidence, by improving our relationships, by gaining satisfaction at work, and by caring for our own needs – we can reduce stress and get more joy from life.
Stronger emphasis on your needs
How often do you put your own needs first? A recent survey found that 70 percent of Canadian mothers don’t list themselves among their top three priorities. It’s hard to feel personally empowered when you don’t consider your own needs important. Here are some ideas to help you focus on your own needs:
- Carve out time for yourself. Focus on your hobbies, take a hot bath, take a deep breath.
- Sometimes, say no. Setting boundaries or assigning tasks to other people will give you more control and less overload.
- Let go of perfection. Are you pressuring yourself to do everything yourself and flawlessly? Be more realistic, and cut yourself slack.
- Don’t neglect your physical and mental health. Over half the women surveyed admitted putting off a doctor’s appointment, a physical activity or better food choices because they put other people’s needs first.
Stronger self-image
In a study of thousands of women around the world, only 13% were satisfied with their beauty, and 13% reported satisfaction with their body weight and shape. As our looks and even limitations change with age, how can we feel more confident about ourselves?
- Nurture positive thoughts about yourself and others. Avoid speaking negatively about the people around you, be proud of your strengths, and think of mistakes as learning lessons. An easy way to start being more positive is to keep a top 10 list of things you like most about yourself.
- Focus on how aging makes you better. Perhaps you’re wiser, more patient, more connected, better at coping… celebrate the ever-improving you.
- Get regular exercise. Not only will physical activity help you stay healthy and stave off disease, studies have found that it’s linked to higher self-esteem. If you are looking for some ideas, the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) has several programs and workshops to offer.
Stronger relationships
A study by Focus on the Family Canada found that Canadians consider a stable relationship to be a high priority. How can you have a healthy, balanced relationship?
- Don’t depend on a partner for everything. Develop your own interests and enjoy your social circle.
- Don’t ignore problems. Discuss them fairly, respect your partner’s viewpoint, be supportive, and try solutions that will work for both of you.
- Be prepared to compromise. You’re different people with different needs.
- Leave if it’s not working. If a relationship isn’t healthy despite your efforts, you’re better off calling it quits. Learn more about signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
- Nourish all the interpersonal relationships in your life. Your ties to friends and neighbours can contribute to your health and longevity!
Stronger at work
Working women spend more time than men on household chores and child care, and are less likely to be happy with their work-life balance. A feeling of empowerment at work can keep you from getting snowed under and feeling overwhelmed by stress. Here are a few ideas on how to feel more empowered at your workplace:
- Don’t downplay what you do. Workers feel more empowered when their accomplishments are recognized and valued.
- Seize the opportunity to take part in extra training, or take on challenges in your job.
- If you can, team up with a supervisor who appreciates your abilities, encourages your professional development and gives you opportunities for choice.
- Speak up. If you want to revise your job duties or embrace a new challenge, it may never happen unless you ask for it. Hone your negotiation skills, and go after your goals.
- Consider self-employment. One study found that 92 per cent of those who own their own businesses consider it a “rewarding” career move. If you are self-employed or manage a team at work, you can use the Women’s Empowerment Principles, which are guidelines established by the United Nations, to promote equality and empowerment for women in the workplace.
For more insight, check out these health articles.
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