Rewriting the Motherhood Narrative. SOFT GIRL LIFESTYLE

🌿 Understanding Stress: A Complete Guide for Mature Women 🌸 What Is Stress? Stress is the body’s natural response to any demand, pressure, or perceived threat. It activates the fight‑or‑flight system, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. A little stress can motivate us — but chronic stress overwhelms the body and mind. 🧠 How Stress Affects Us Physically - Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue - Sleep problems - Digestive issues - Hot flushes or worsened menopause symptoms - Increased blood pressure Emotionally - Irritability, overwhelm - Low mood or anxiety - Feeling detached or numb Cognitively - Poor concentration - Forgetfulness - Racing thoughts Behaviourally - Overeating or loss of appetite - Withdrawing from others - Increased alcohol use - Procrastination 🧩 Types of Stress 🧠 Stress & Mental Health Stress can mimic or worsen: - Anxiety disorders - Depression - PTSD - ADHD symptoms (poor focus, overwhelm) - Burnout - Adjustment disorders 🔍 How Stress Is Assessed (Not Diagnosed — because stress itself isn’t a diagnosis) Clinicians look at: - Duration and severity - Impact on daily functioning - Physical symptoms - Triggers and patterns - Screening tools (PHQ‑9, GAD‑7, stress scales) 🔄 Alternative Diagnoses to Consider Sometimes what looks like “stress” may be: - Generalised Anxiety Disorder - Major Depression - ADHD - Perimenopause/Menopause - Thyroid disorders - Anaemia - Sleep disorders - Chronic fatigue This is why holistic assessment matters. 🌱 Management of Stress 1. Lifestyle Changes - Prioritising sleep hygiene - Regular movement (walking, yoga, dance) - Reducing caffeine and alcohol - Balanced meals to stabilise blood sugar - Setting boundaries - Digital detox periods - Scheduling joy and rest 2. Psychological Approaches - CBT - Mindfulness‑based stress reduction - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Trauma‑informed therapy - Coaching for organisation and overwhelm

Take away from today’s skool session- identify stress triggers, be intentional about your responses, create a routine to destress.

Happiest EASTER DARLING SISTERS...

Creating awareness on this important topic