Today clinical social worker and stress management consultant Marcyline Bailey joins us at Graced Health and discusses why women over 40 experience stress differently. She shares practical mindfulness techniques and explores how faith can be incorporated into breathing practices for stress management. 

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, stress seems inevitable, particularly for women over 40 who juggle careers, families, and personal commitments. Amy Connell recently welcomed Marcyline Bailey, an expert in stress management, to discuss this pressing issue on her podcast. Here’s a recap of their enlightening conversation, filled with insights and practical strategies to manage stress effectively.

Understanding Stress and Aging

Marcyline Bailey emphasizes that stress is a physical response triggered by stimuli or changes in our environment. As we age, shifts in our hormonal balances can make us more sensitive to stress, often resulting in sleep disruptions, chronic conditions, and emotional challenges like anxiety and depression. Bailey elaborates on how our evolving physical and cognitive states reduce our resilience against stress.

The Root of Stress

Discussing how stress roots itself deeply in our lives, Bailey highlights the importance of identifying the underlying causes. Often, surface symptoms mask more profound issues, like fear of loss or unresolved personal relationships. By pinpointing these roots, people can address the core of their stress rather than merely treating its symptoms.

Managing Caretaking and Occupational Stress

For those who find stress in caregiving roles or workplaces, Bailey offers valuable guidance. Understanding our emotional ties with caregivers or workplace dynamics helps unravel why these situations stress us. She suggests small, meaningful actions and mindset shifts to infuse positivity into daily interactions.

Techniques for Reducing Stress

While stress management is multifaceted, Bailey provides simple yet effective strategies. Emphasizing the importance of organization and clear communication at work, she advocates for realistic self-expectations. Regarding relaxation, Bailey underscores the power of getting sufficient rest and practicing mindful breathing. These practices can serve as a foundation for alleviating stress.

Mindful Breathing and Spiritual Connection

Breathing, an innate process, is at the heart of mindfulness and stress reduction. Bailey suggests focusing on where we feel our breath most—whether it’s the rising and falling of our chest or the air through our nostrils. For those integrating faith into their mindfulness practices, Bailey highlights the spiritual significance of breathing and its deep connection to life and faith.

Incorporating Mindfulness Meditation

Bailey also offers structured group meditation sessions and resources, like her ebook “Calming the Mind,” providing a comprehensive guide for starting a meditation practice. These resources aim to help women over 40 embrace mindfulness and achieve a state of calm amidst life’s chaos.

Conclusion: The Power of Breath and Faith

Marcyline Bailey concludes the conversation by reminding us of the intrinsic link between breath and life. This connection is not just a spiritual one but a societal one, emphasizing our unity and strength when we come together. Her words invite us to appreciate the breath of life and use it as a tool to manage our stress and connect with those around us.

Through her conversation with Amy Connell, Marcyline Bailey offers profound insights into understanding and managing stress. By adopting Bailey’s practical tips and spiritual reflections, women over 40 can navigate life with resilience and grace.

Get your copy of Calming the Mind eBook here

CONNECT WITH MARCYLINE

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Marcyline Bailey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia with 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She is a Certified Stress Management Consultant and a Certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher. Her focus is on grief/loss, anxiety, depression and stress management. She works with adolescents, adults and families.