Stress Management

Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to cope? Stress is a common part of life, but when it becomes constant or unmanageable, it can take a serious toll on your wellbeing. At Head Start Counselling & Psychology, we support individuals in Geelong to understand, manage, and reduce stress using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

What Is Stress?

Stress is a natural response to challenging or threatening situations. In the short term, it can help us react quickly or stay focused. But when stress is prolonged or excessive, it affects our physical and mental health — leading to anxiety, burnout, fatigue, and illness.

Symptoms of Stress

Stress can manifest in many ways. You might experience:

• Fast heartbeat or muscle tension
• Sleep disturbances or fatigue
• Irritability or emotional outbursts
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Digestive issues or headaches
• Avoidance behaviours or constant worry

Types of Stress

There are several types of stress:

• Acute stress – short-term stress triggered by immediate challenges
• Episodic acute stress – frequent bouts of intense stress in response to repeated pressure or crisis
• Chronic stress – persistent stress caused by long-term pressures, such as work, financial issues, or relationship strain
• Traumatic stress – intense stress following a traumatic experience (e.g. accidents, violence, loss)
• Physiological stress – the body’s response to illness, injury, or chronic health conditions
• Psychosocial stress – stress related to social, emotional, or interpersonal challenges

How Stress Affects You

Over time, unmanaged stress can weaken the immune system, disrupt sleep, elevate blood pressure, and increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and chronic health conditions. It can also impair decision-making and reduce overall quality of life.

Evidence-Based Stress Relief Techniques

These strategies can help reduce or manage stress:

• Mindfulness and meditation to increase present-moment awareness and reduce rumination
• Deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to calm the nervous system
• Physical activity to release built-up tension and improve mood
• Healthy eating and hydration to support physical resilience
• Sleep hygiene to restore energy and emotional regulation
• Time management strategies to reduce overwhelm and improve focus
• Boundaries and assertiveness to protect your time and energy
• Engaging in hobbies or creative outlets to promote enjoyment and balance
• Social support through trusted relationships or support groups

How Therapy Can Help

When stress becomes overwhelming, therapy can offer targeted tools and support. At Head Start Counselling & Psychology, our therapists work collaboratively with clients to:

• Identify personal stressors and patterns
• Challenge unhelpful thoughts or perfectionistic beliefs
• Learn relaxation strategies and emotional regulation skills
• Build resilience and coping strategies
• Navigate workplace, relationship, or life pressures with more confidence

Take the Next Step

You don’t have to manage stress alone. With the right support, you can regain control, restore balance, and feel more grounded. Reach out to Head Start Counselling & Psychology today to begin your path to calmer, more sustainable wellbeing.