Over the last two years, many Australians have experienced some degree of prolonged stress. Prolonged stress is characterised by a (typically) lower-grade stress response in the body over a long period of time, as opposed to a high degree of stress in a single event (such as an exam or job interview). Studies have shown that prolonged stress can impact the brain differently than acute stress. For example, exposure to prolonged stress has been connected to symptoms of depression and can also contribute to the development or maintenance of mental health disorders.
To counteract the impact of this, there are several things you can do to reduce the level of stress reactivity in your body. These include:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Restful sleep
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Time in nature
- Support from family and friends
Remember that if you are experiencing stress that impacts your work, study, relationships or everyday activities, you may need some additional support on top of these strategies. Some extra information about seeking support from a psychologist is provided at the end of this resource.
A psychologist or other mental health professional can also support you in addressing unhelpful thought patterns that may be further contributing to your stress levels, as well as introduce specific breathing techniques and coping strategies specific to your needs.