Stress – all people suffer from it, yet deal with it in their own way. The distinction isn’t just found individual to individual but gender-wise as well. Have you never wondered why women cry and let their frustrations out when the stress is too much to handle? Or why men prefer heading to their local golf course or pub to relax with fellow men.
The Play of Hormones – Men vs. Women
Men and women largely differ when it comes to the chemical infrastructure of their bodies. This also influences how both sexes react with stress AND why the reaction is so profound. Primarily, there are 3 hormones that play a crucial role in this: oxytoxin, cortisol, and epinephrine.
When Stress Strikes
Cortisol and epinephrine raise blood pressure, and circulate blood sugar level. Cortisol of course helps to lower effectiveness of our immune system.
Medical practitioners have quickly disproved an earlier theory regarding cortisol production. Contrary to popular belief, women DO NOT produce higher levels of cortisol than men. In fact, there’s visibly no difference at all in cortisol production in both sexes. So, what gives?
The Hormone Oxytoxin and Its Relation to How People Deal With Stress
In women, the hormone oxytoxin comes out to play when the two other hormones (cortisol and epinephrine) rush through the bloodstream.
The hormone is released from the brain and helps counter production of the other two, therefore promoting relaxing and nurturing emotions.
Men, on the other hand, draw a shorter stick when it comes to dealing with stress and hormones. Oxytoxin is produced, but in much smaller quantity.
How Men Deal With Stress
- Men are more competitive in nature, compared to women
- Generally, men shut down or withdraw from people when stressed out
- Men find it harder to show or admit any sign of weakness
- They tend to work harder, and resort to alcohol and drugs
- Men adopt a ‘crash and burn’ style of dealing with stress.
- They find distractions that help them deal with stress
How Women Deal With Stress
- Women seek out comfort and support (from friends, family, their partner) when stressed out
- They like to talk about their emotions and feelings
- They analyze the stressful situation from new perspectives
- They want to feel nurtured rather than left alone
Stress has taken center stage in today’s incredibly fast moving world. Everyone is affected by it. Everyone is also dealing with stress in his or her own way. Bottling up emotions isn’t a good idea, same as seeking out distractions from stress. If you have trouble with effective and healthy stress management, take a look at how hypnosis can help with the help of Rekha Shrivastava.
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