Women Executives and Stress

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Women Executives and Stress

When a woman executive feels rushed, overwhelmed, or pressured to do everything, her stress-reducing hormones are depleted, and her stress levels increase.

Taking part in testosterone-producing activities at work can diminish a woman's oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that seems to be involved in reproductive behavior in both men and women, and apparently triggers "caring" behavior. Oxytocin is also the hormone which allows contractions of the womb during pregnancy and labor. When women have plenty of energy, they take great pleasure from their responsibilities. Creating a lifestyle and diet that sustains unending energy by producing plenty of oxytocin is key to lower stress levels.

Oxytocin levels begin to rebuild when a woman feels seen, heard, and supported.

At the end of the day, the anticipation of a simple hug, conversation, and some affection can make a big difference. When she gets home, without an abundance of oxytocin, her roles as a partner, mother, friend and caregiver seem overwhelming. When she expects to have to do more without enough time or energy, her stress levels go up. Her experience is quite different from a man's.

When a man's day is done, he begins to relax. With more responsibilities and less time to recover his testosterone levels, he has less and less energy. Instead of coming home to a sanctuary of love and support, both men and women today are confronted with a new stress. Women need more of their partners' time and support, and men are running out of energy. Consequently, they both have less to give.

Success in the workplace is important for women, but it will never improve the quality of her relationships unless she also takes time to balance her job-related testosterone-producing activities with oxytocin-producing activities and attitudes. It is primarily the quality of her relationships that keeps a woman's stress levels down.

Source: "Why Mars & Venus Collide" by John Gray, Ph.D.

Sources: John G. Agno: Women and Time