Why You Might Feel More Stressed Out Than Your Husband Does

Do you know how much I wish I could be like the people who legitimately don’t have a care in the world? You know the kind of people I’m talking about. They’re the ones who seem to float through life on a rainbow-colored cloud of pixie dust and any troubles that land on their shoulders are swiped away with the flick of the wrist and a big grin.

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People who live life in a state of bliss also tend to be the same ones that tell those of us who worry about things that we shouldn’t. If it were that easy don’t you think we’d make the decision to flip the switch and live in blissful ignorance? I mean, I’m sure there are some that would rather dwell in dread, but I know I’d push that magical “make everything better” button if I were able to.

Instead, I lay in bed at night and I think about how high the electric bill will be since it’s been so cold lately and if the snow means I’ll have to leave super extra early for work and will I be able to get home in time to swap cars so my husband can get to work safely. I think about the health of my friends and family and about whether the Canadian border will ever open again so we can go check on our property. I think about my job and all the things I need to do for work and about the meeting that’s not scheduled for another two weeks. I think about cleaning the house and folding laundry and whether or not our vehicles will make it another winter.

I guess, for the most part, I’m just like every other woman who stresses about all of the things, but if this survey is even remotely correct, I’m in the minority when I stress over my job.

According to Jezebel, “A Supposedly Feminist Website,” a survey was done by LiveScience and found that men stress most about work and women are the ones who stress most about every other aspect of life. The survey also found that men tend to fight back against their stress by playing video games, drinking, and working out. Women fight back against their stress by sleeping, listening to music, spending time online, and indulging in comfort food.

Isn’t it interesting though that, if there’s any merit to this survey, that the primary source of stress for men is their job but women shoulder the concerns of literally everything else? I completely believe that to be true. My husband works an 8-hour a day job and when he’s done, he’s done. His computer gets turned off and he walks away. Nothing to do before work, after work, or on weekends. No projects, no last-minute things dropped into his lap, no worry that his industry will downsize because they’re constantly hiring. And yet, he stressed about it.

I'm not trying to downplay my husband's source of stress because he has every right to have his own concerns in life and his concerns are no less important than mine, but how I wish I only stressed over one thing instead of all the things. Has anyone seen that bliss button? I could use it right about now!

If the stress in your life has become so severe that it's triggered anxiety, you might want to check out the virtual Mark Patrick Seminar on anxiety this Saturday, February 20. I've never attended a session, but those who have tell me that the sessions have literally changed their life and that their only regret is not having attended a session sooner.