Numerous stressors in today’s life of a woman are due to stress on the job or in private life. Occupational challenges with projects or colleagues can be quite distressing. Additionally, personal challenges relating to money, health, children, or a significant other can greatly contribute to stressful responses and hence, elicit feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to juggle the responsibilities at hand. Stress responses may be mild to severe and provoked by eustress and distress stressors. Unfortunately, if stress is excessive or chronic in nature, illness and/or disease can result. While every woman may define stress differently, numerous theories are available to explain the causes of stress and its impacts on health and disease (Greenberg, 2017; The American Institute of Stress, 2017). It is critical to examine whether women can ‘have it all’ and if so, how work–life balance (WLB) can be created to help women in attaining and maintaining a healthy mind and body (Seierstad & Kirton, 2015).

In this presentation, the following elements will be covered:

1. Definition of stress: Eustress and distress                                                                                                                                                  2. Assessment of relevant theories to address the causes for stress and potential health impacts                                                               3. Examination of common stressors women face, to include women of diverse cultures                                                                              4. Presentation of resources and strategies for creating work-life balance (i.e. effective stress management techniques) to achieve greater health and wellbeing.    

Dr. Christine McMahon is an Assistant Professor and Program Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Health and Wellness in Ashford University’s College of Health, Human Services, and Science. She received a Doctorate in Health Education from AT Still University in Kirksville, MO, and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Sports Studies from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. Prior to joining Ashford, she spent 15 years working as the Coordinator of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Salem Township Hospital in Salem, IL.  Sandra Rebeor is an Assistant Professor in the College of Health, Human Services, and Science at Ashford University. She earned her BBA in Business Administration with a minor in Management at Campbell University and her Master of Science in Health Sciences - Emergency and Disaster Management at Trident University International. Mrs. Rebeor is currently pursuing her Psy.D. Health and Wellness at the University of the Rockies.