How do you experience stress? Women and men generally experience stress in very different ways, and women are much more likely to feel overwhelmed and exhausted than men. But why is this? Guests on this week’s episode, Drs Emily and Amelia Nagoski, believe that the reason lies in the fact that what’s expected of women and what it’s really like to be a woman in today’s world are two very different things—and women exhaust themselves trying to close the gap between them.

They explain the importance of separating the stress from the stressor. Stressors are the external forces that are giving you stress. Stress is an experience that happens in your body – it’s a physiological cycle that has a beginning, a middle, and an end. And you can complete the stress response cycle even without fixing the problem and getting rid of the stressor.

They explain the various ways in which we can do this – from laughing and crying to having a warm embrace with a loved one. We also discuss the importance of human touch and how imagination is a surprisingly powerful way of completing the stress response cycle.

Emily and Amelia share their own personal journeys and some brilliant tips that are simpler, easier, and quicker than you may think. This is a really passionate and inspiring conversation – I hope you enjoy it!

Further reading:

Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny by Kate Mann

Irish Examiner – Why we all suffer burnout and tips on how to overcome it

Stylist – How the 42% rule could cure burnout and make you feel less stressed

Metro – Meet the sisters who can help you to beat burnout and smash the stress cycle

Irish Independent – Tired but wired: Why are so many of us suffering burnout and what can we do about it?

SFGATE – How you can battle burnout