Women’s Series Part 1: How Can Women Deal with Stress?

(4 min read)

Women’s Series Part 1: How Can Women Deal with Stress?

This August, we celebrate the incredible women who are the foundation of our families and communities – our mothers, sisters, daughters, and partners. Women’s health is vital to the wellbeing of us all, so we honour you by exploring ways to support your wellness and empower you to live your best life.

Does stress impact women differently?

Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can deeply affect overall health and wellbeing. While the effects of stress are widely recognized, women experience them in unique ways. Beyond balancing careers, caregiving, and personal goals, women also navigate hormonal and physiological factors that can amplify stress levels. This combination of hormonal shifts and environmental pressures can disrupt neurotransmitter balance, affecting relaxation, focus, and overall wellbeing.

Understanding how stress impacts women and adopting natural stress management strategies is essential for maintaining balance, protecting long-term wellness, and supporting the wellbeing of those around them

Effective Stress Management Strategies for Women

Women often put the needs of their loved ones ahead of their own, leaving little time to prioritise self-care. But it’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Nurturing your own wellbeing isn’t selfish – it’s the most powerful way to show up fully for the people you care about. When a mother or partner is overwhelmed, it not only affects her ability to enjoy her family, but it also shapes the example she sets for her children about what it means to be a woman and how women deserve to be treated.

So, how can women manage their stress more effectively? Building simple, consistent daily habits can help reduce feelings of overwhelm while supporting mood and hormone balance. Stress often creates a feedback loop – the more pressure you feel, the less control you have, which only adds to the cycle. Breaking that loop starts with intentional self-care and small, supportive changes

Here are a few simple, practical strategies you can start using right now to better manage your stress. While you may have come across similar tips before, there’s a reason they’re repeated so often: it’s the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference in keeping stress under control and supporting lasting wellbeing:

• Mindfulness and Relaxation:Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing help calm the nervous system and promote emotional balance.
• Regular Physical Activity: Gentle exercise, such as walking or pilates, supports mood and resilience while helping regulate stress hormones.
• Adequate Rest: Prioritizing restorative sleep is essential for maintaining mental clarity and energy
• Social Support: Building and maintaining strong social connections can reduce emotional burden and provide comfort.
• Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no and managing commitments helps prevent overwhelm and preserves emotional health.

Natural Stress Relief Supplements for Women

While building consistent daily habits is the most important first step, many women find that adding the right supplements can be a valuable part of their stress management toolkit. The right nutritional support can complement a balanced routine by helping to nurture the brain, support hormonal balance, and promote restful, restorative sleep

These are some of my go-to options for helping maintain my own balance and supporting the stresses of modern life:

• CBD (Pure Cannabidiol) is a natural compound derived from hemp plants that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which could help to regulate mood and stress response and are intended to support general health and wellbeing [2].

• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is a naturally occurring amino acid that serves as a key calming neurotransmitter in the brain, helping to reduce nervous tension and encourage a relaxed state [3]. When taken as a dietary supplement, GABA may support mental wellbeing and promote a sense of calm as part of a balanced lifestyle

• L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found primarily in green tea leaves. It is known for promoting relaxation and reducing stress without causing drowsiness [4]. Many individuals use L-Theanine to help maintain mental focus and calmness during everyday stressful situations, supporting overall wellbeing as part of a balanced lifestyle.

• Valerian Root is a traditional herbal supplement used to promote restful sleep and support relaxation. It is thought to work by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps reduce nerve activity and induces a calming effect on the nervous system. This action may help ease mild restlessness and improve the quality of sleep [5].

• Magnesium is an essential mineral that contributes to normal muscle and nerve function [6]. It plays a role in supporting relaxation and may help maintain a calm state when included as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

• Ashwagandha is a traditional herbal supplement often used to support the body’s natural ability to cope with occasional stress [7]. When used responsibly and according to product guidelines, it may help promote a sense of balance and wellbeing.

Remember that you should always consult a qualified healthcare professional before introducing new supplements, especially during pregnancy or if you are managing existing health concerns.

Supporting Women’s Wellness Holistically

Stress management for women is most effective when approached holistically, combining lifestyle changes with gentle nutritional support. While natural stress relief supplements can play a role, focusing on self-care, sleep, and emotional wellbeing is also important for long-term balance.

The information provided in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. The content is based on current research and general health principles, but it is not a substitute for professional medical consultation. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog. Genologix and its contributors are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.

Kimica Maniraj (B.Pharm)

The Genologix Team

References

1. Sievert LL, Jaff N, Woods NF. Stress and midlife women’s health. Womens Midlife Health. 2018 Mar 16;4:4. doi: 10.1186/s40695-018-0034-1. PMID: 30766714; PMCID: PMC6297937.
2. Author links open overlay panelKeya Mallick et al. (2024) The anxiolytic effects of cannabinoids: A comprehensive review, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305724001229#:~:text=CBD%20exhibits%20notable%20anxiolytic%20effects%20with%20a%20favourable,regarding%20mild%20side%20effects%20and%20drug%20interactions%20remain. (Accessed: 21 July 2025).
3. Abdou AM, Higashiguchi S, Horie K, Kim M, Hatta H, Yokogoshi H. Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. Biofactors. 2006;26(3):201-8. doi: 10.1002/biof.5520260305. PMID: 16971751.
4. Moulin M, Crowley DC, Xiong L, Guthrie N, Lewis ED. Safety and Efficacy of AlphaWave^®L-Theanine Supplementation for 28 Days in Healthy Adults with Moderate Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neurol Ther. 2024 Aug;13(4):1135-1153. doi: 10.1007/s40120-024-00624-7. Epub 2024 May 17. PMID: 38758503; PMCID: PMC11263523.
5. Shinjyo N, Waddell G, Green J. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2020 Jan-Dec;25:2515690X20967323. doi: 10.1177/2515690X20967323. PMID: 33086877; PMCID: PMC7585905.
6. Pickering G, Mazur A, Trousselard M, Bienkowski P, Yaltsewa N, Amessou M, Noah L, Pouteau E. Magnesium Status and Stress: The Vicious Circle Concept Revisited. Nutrients. 2020 Nov 28;12(12):3672. doi: 10.3390/nu12123672. PMID: 33260549; PMCID: PMC7761127.
7. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022. PMID: 23439798; PMCID: PMC3573577.