Sophrology and Stress

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions our Sophrologists receive. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected], and our Sophrologists will be happy to offer their advice.

• What are the most common symptoms of stress?

  Stress affects both the mind and the body, often in ways we don’t immediately recognise. Common symptoms include tension headaches, tight shoulders or jaw, a racing heart, shallow breathing, stomach discomfort, and fatigue. You might also notice emotional changes like irritability, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. Mentally, stress can make it harder to concentrate or remember things, leaving you feeling “wired but tired.” Recognising these signs early allows you to step in with supportive tools, rather than letting tension build until it becomes unmanageable.

• When is stress a problem requiring more support?

  Some stress is normal and even helpful in short bursts. But if it starts to interfere with your daily life,  for example, disrupting your sleep, leaving you exhausted, affecting your relationships, or causing physical symptoms like stomach issues or frequent headaches, it’s a sign your system is struggling to recover. As Sophrologists, we often help clients tune into these early warning signals and find ways to rebalance. If you notice stress lasting for weeks, or it’s accompanied by feelings of hopelessness or panic, it’s a good idea to seek extra support from a doctor, counsellor, or mental health professional alongside any self-care practices.

• Is all stress harmful?

  No, in fact, stress can sometimes be helpful. Short bursts of stress, known as “eustress,” can boost focus, energy, and motivation, helping you rise to a challenge or meet a deadline. The problem begins when stress becomes chronic and your nervous system stays switched on for too long. This can deplete energy reserves, disrupt hormones, and leave you feeling constantly on edge. Sophrology teaches you how to notice when your body is tipping into that unhelpful stress zone, and how to bring yourself back into a calmer, more balanced state so stress doesn’t take a long-term toll.

• How can Sophrology help with stress relief?

  Sophrology is a gentle, structured practice designed to calm both the body and mind. It blends slow, intentional breathing, light movement, and guided visualisation to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, the part of you responsible for rest and recovery. Over time, regular practice trains your body to shift out of “fight or flight” mode more easily, which means stressful moments no longer feel quite so overwhelming. Many of my clients notice they not only feel calmer immediately after a session, but also more resilient and focused in their everyday lives.

• What are some quick self-care steps to reduce stress?

  When stress strikes, even two minutes of intentional practice can make a difference. Start by focusing on your breath, inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, then exhale longer than you inhaled. You can also do a quick body scan, noticing and relaxing any areas of tension. Step outside for fresh air if you can, or gently roll your shoulders and stretch your neck to release physical tightness. Sophrology combines these techniques into short, guided sessions that you can do anywhere, at your desk, during your commute, or before a meeting, to restore balance quickly.

• When should I see a professional about my stress?

  If you’ve been feeling on edge for weeks or months, find it difficult to relax even when nothing stressful is happening, or notice stress causing health issues like frequent illness, digestive problems, or sleep disturbance, it may be time to seek professional help. Sophrology can be a valuable part of your toolkit, but it doesn’t replace medical or psychological care when stress becomes chronic. Think of it as a supportive bridge, it helps you regain a sense of control and calm, while you work with your GP or therapist to address deeper causes.

• How does chronic stress affect long-term health?

  Chronic stress keeps your body’s “alarm system” switched on. Over time, this can raise blood pressure, affect heart health, weaken your immune system, disrupt digestion, and interfere with hormone balance. Mentally, it can lead to burnout, reduced motivation, and difficulty concentrating. The good news is that the body is incredibly adaptable. By using practices like Sophrology to engage your relaxation response regularly, you can reduce the impact of long-term stress, restore balance to your nervous system, and even prevent future stress from hitting as hard.

• What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?

  Stress is usually a response to an external situation, like a work deadline or conflict, and it often eases once the challenge passes. Anxiety is more internal — it can feel like a constant state of unease, even when there isn’t an obvious cause. Many people experience both at the same time, and the symptoms can overlap. Sophrology is effective for both because it helps you connect with your body, slow racing thoughts, and build emotional resilience. This means you can face life’s challenges with a clearer head and steadier nervous system.

• Can lifestyle changes support stress reduction?

  Yes, absolutely. Regular movement, nutritious food, good-quality sleep, time outdoors, and strong social connections all support your body’s ability to recover from stress. Sophrology complements these lifestyle habits by helping you become more aware of when stress is building and giving you practical tools to release it in the moment. Over time, combining healthy daily habits with regular mind-body practice can dramatically improve your ability to stay calm and centred, even under pressure.