Boost or burnout?

Talking Therapies counsellor Jordan Thomas explains, “Stress is our body’s way of preparing us to act. When the alarm clock goes off in the morning, that small burst of stress motivates us to start our day.”

In situations where performance matters - like a job interview or sports competition - stress triggers a physical response including raised heart rate, quicker breathing and the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

“These hormones tune out distractions and help us focus fully on the task.

“When stress is short term and tied to a meaningful goal, it sets us up to perform at our best. Like athletes, anyone stepping into a challenging situation can benefit from that heightened state of readiness.”

Problems arise when stress becomes constant. Staying in ‘work mode’ when we are at home - worrying about meeting a deadline or emotionally worn out after caring for others means we remain stressed for too long. Blurred boundaries between work and home can add to a sense of constant pressure.

Jordan says, “When the body stays in a heightened state and continues to release hormones designed for action, over time this can spark anxiety, burnout or low mood.

“By keeping work and home life separate and considering whether we’re worrying about a practical or hypothetical problem, we can keep stress useful, not overwhelming.”