Managing stress for a healthier life
Understanding how stress works and how to manage it can play an important role in maintaining wellbeing
The start of a new year often brings fresh goals and motivation. But as the weeks go by, the pressures of work, family and everyday responsibilities can quickly build, leaving many people feeling overwhelmed or unmotivated.
Understanding how stress works and how to manage it can play an important role in maintaining wellbeing.
Metro North psychologist Andrew Craker says stress is a natural response designed to help us deal with challenges.
“Stress is the body and mind going into a state of arousal to respond to perceived threats or challenges,” Andrew said.
“In the right amount, stress can be helpful. It keeps us alert, focused and motivated to perform at our best. However, problems can arise when stress moves outside that optimal zone.
“Too little stress can lead to boredom or disengagement, while too much stress can make it harder for people to think clearly or solve problems.”
When the brain detects a threat, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system and releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, sending the body into a ‘fight or flight’ response.
“This response is designed to help us deal with the situation,” Andrew said.
“Once the threat passes, the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body return to a calmer resting state.”
Stress often builds over time and people are rarely stressed by just one issue.
“Work demands, family responsibilities, financial pressures or health concerns can build up over time, and it’s that accumulation that can push people into feeling overwhelmed,” Andrew said.
Recognising early warning signs and having strategies to manage stress can help prevent it from impacting both mental and physical health.
Small, practical and consistent changes can help people better manage everyday stress.
- Reflect on what works for you – looking back at past experiences can help people recognise their personal warning signs and identify strategies that have helped them manage stress before.
- Focus on lifestyle basics – small improvements to sleep, nutrition, physical activity and making time for enjoyable activities can help buffer the impact of stress.
- Support the body to relax – relaxation strategies such as slow breathing, mindfulness or guided relaxation can help activate the body’s calming system and bring stress levels down.
- Reframe unhelpful thoughts – questioning and challenging thoughts that aren’t helpful can help people stay focused on what is constructive and within their control.
“By understanding how stress works and developing practical strategies to manage it, people can better support their wellbeing and continue working towards the goals that matter most,” Andrew said.