Understanding stress
We often talk about being "stressed" as if it’s a normal part of life - but living with chronic stress is not something we’re designed to do.
When faced with situations or events where we have few or no resources to cope, our system becomes overwhelmed. We become stressed.
And stress is deeply personal. How you experience stress - what triggers it, how your body responds, and how it impacts your life - is unique to you. But here’s the good news: understanding your individual stress response, when it happens, and how to respond differently, can significantly reduce chronic stress and its impact on your life.
What situations can trigger stress?
Some stress is temporary and manageable, but when it becomes chronic, it can seriously affect both your mental and physical health.
Common stress triggers include:
Feeling under pressure
Facing big life changes (eg job loss, illness, moving)
Worrying about the future or unknowns
Feeling powerless or lacking control over a situation
Taking on overwhelming responsibilities
Experiencing a lack of stimulation, purpose or variety
Facing discrimination, abuse or hostility
The Fight-or-Flight response: your body’s emergency mode
Stress isn’t just a feeling - it’s a biological chain reaction designed to protect you.
When you perceive a threat, your senses send signals to your brain - specifically, the amygdala, which handles emotional processing. It immediately sounds the alarm.
Stage 1: Instant Reaction (Fight or Flight)
The hypothalamus (your brain’s command centre) activates the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) kicks in - like pressing an accelerator.
Your adrenal glands release adrenaline, leading to:
Faster heartbeat and breathing
Increased blood pressure
A surge of blood sugar and energy
Heightened alertness
Stage 2: High Alert
If the threat persists, your HPA axis (hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal system) takes over:
The hypothalamus releases CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone)
This signals the pituitary gland to release ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
The adrenal glands then release cortisol - the long-term stress hormone
This system is powerful and protective… for short bursts.
Chronic stress: when the system stays On
When the threat never truly passes - or when life constantly feels overwhelming - the stress response stays activated.
Your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) - the ‘brake pedal’ that calms the body - isn’t able to do its job properly.
Over time, chronic stress can lead to:
Constant fatigue
Weight gain (due to high cortisol affecting appetite and energy storage)
Mood swings and anxiety
Digestive problems
Increased risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure
Signs you might be experiencing chronic stress
Sleep issues or insomnia
Panic attacks or difficulty breathing
Muscle aches, neck/ shoulder tension or headaches
Digestive troubles (IBS, heartburn, nausea)
Fatigue and low energy
Emotional symptoms, like constant worrying, irritability or anger
Avoidance behaviours (withdrawing or numbing out)
Trouble concentrating or remembering things
Reliance on substances, food or compulsive behaviours
What can you do about it?
Once you identify your stress patterns, there are many traditional tools that can help reduce it. These may include:
Regular exercise
Balanced nutrition
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Breathing and mindfulness techniques
Nervous system regulation tools
How hypnotherapy helps with stress
Hypnotherapy can help with stress by addressing it at its root - by working with the subconscious mind and helping to regulate your nervous system. You don’t have to “think your way out of it”. Instead, you’ll learn to:
Recognise your stress triggers and early signs
Calm your overactive system with tailored mind–body techniques
Create new internal patterns of calm, clarity and control
Restore balance between the accelerator (SNS) and the brake (PNS)
Build lasting resilience, not just relief
