Rushing Womans Syndrome Part 2

Rushing Woman's Syndrome Part 1 summarised some of the health issues which can result from a constant stressed feeling brought about by rushing all the time. Dr Libby Weaver, an Australian nutritional biochemist, has written a book about this recent syndrome.

I have yet to read the book, Rushing Woman's Syndrome but have put a hold on it. Meanwhile I can pass on information gleaned from a magazine article and several internet writings. What does Dr Weaver suggest as ways to deal with this problem?

Dr Weaver recommends self care in the form of starting the day with deep breathing and a protein rich breakfast such as eggs. She suggests drinking green tea instead of coffee for two weeks and seeing if this reduces feelings of stress and improves sleep.

A healthy diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables and avoiding refined sugar is recommended. Dr Weaver says taking multi vitamins, Vitamin B and magnesium can be beneficial.Other suggestions include meditation, mindfulness, yoga and reading before bed.

It is suggested 'rushing women' would benefit from reducing time spent on emails, mobile phones and television, especially during the hour or two before going to bed. Keeping a journal and identifying which activities you wish to continue doing and those you want to reduce is recommended. Dr Weaver also suggests identifying new activities you feel would help you lead a more balanced lifestyle.

Dr Libby Weaver believes how you perceive events and your life is an important factor in reducing stress. If you take time to smell the roses she feels you will not feel so overwhelmed by all the things you feel you need to achieve. She also promotes being aware of things to feel gratitude for.


These ideas make sense to me and tend to be in line with the general advice put forward about dealing with stress. As I haven't read the book yet, I don't know if Dr Weaver recommends reducing the number of responsibilities you take on if you feel you are a 'rushing woman'. I have seen mention of thinking about your activities and seeing which you want to reduce. I don't know if this idea is just presented in passing or dealt with in greater detail.

There was a time when I know I was attempting to do too much. I put a great deal of time and energy into my job as well as taking care of a home and family. I made myself responsible for some things which others could have taken care of. I didn't spend time on the hobbies I once enjoyed and I never read a novel. Visits to friends were often rushed. If someone had suggested I take up meditation or yoga I would have just felt it was another thing to squeeze into a packed schedule and to get through as quickly as possible.

I feel, to find time for beneficial activities such as identifying things to be grateful for, one needs to slow down. That may require reducing your hours of work, handing some responsibilities over to another person or dropping your standards. In some circumstances this may seem impossible but sometimes there are people who can help with the process.

A counsellor or support group may be helpful if you are caring for someone who is frail-aged or has a disability. Talking to someone who understands your situation can be a relief. You may be eligible for services you were unaware of.

Whilst improving your diet, doing deep breathing and other activities can help reduce that stressed, rushed feeling I believe one also needs to reduce the amount one is trying to achieve every day. With so many people being busy and under pressure it can be difficult to find another you can delegate tasks to. However, I think it is worth the effort to somehow find ways to reduce the number of things you are trying to do for the sake of improved health.


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