It’s (supposed to be) the most wonderful time of the year! And yes, of course, we get to spend time with family and friends making memories that will last us a lifetime, but that’s also a ton of pressure. And as the data proved to us this month, that pressure exists stronger for women than it does men.
- Only 27% of women say they are able to relax over the holidays, compared to 41% of men – American Psychological Association, 2006
- And 44% of women report an increase in stress during the holiday season, compared to only 31% of men – American Psychological Association, 2006
- Yet, 68% of women said they could have used more emotional support than they received in the last year – American Psychological Association, 2023
- And 71% of people who feel supported by their community say they experience stress less than those who do not feel supported – Meta-Gallup, 2022
If there’s anything we take away from this data story, it’s how important it is to check in on the women in your life this time of year. Send her a note of appreciation. Lend her a hand. Give her a foot massage. Or just tell her you care, and that she’s doing great. Perhaps if we all leaned into a small act of kindness for the women we love, we can up that first data point so MORE than just 27% of women can relax over the holidays this time of year. Happy holidays, all!