Is Coronavirus Stress Making You Stressed?

Coronavirus stress can linger long after the most acute phases have passed, affecting routines, work, finances, health confidence, and wellbeing.

Even though the most acute phases of COVID-19 have passed, many Australians are still feeling the after-effects—on routines, work, finances, health confidence, and overall wellbeing.

If you’ve noticed your stress levels staying high (or spiking again), you’re not alone. The good news is that stress patterns are changeable—especially when you use practical, evidence-informed strategies and get the right support.

This article is educational and general in nature. It’s designed to help you understand stress, explore realistic daily actions, and learn how approaches like hypnotherapy and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) may support constructive lifestyle change for some people.

What “COVID-related stress” can look like in 2026

Stress isn’t always obvious. It can show up physically, mentally, and behaviourally—especially after prolonged uncertainty.

You might recognise some of these common patterns:

• Sleep disruption (difficulty falling asleep, early waking, unrefreshing sleep)
• Persistent worry about health, work stability, or loved ones
• Remote or hybrid work burnout (always “on”, fewer boundaries)
• Irritability or low patience, especially at home
• Lower motivation, procrastination, or feeling emotionally “flat”
• Changes in appetite (comfort eating or loss of appetite)
• More reliance on quick relief habits (smoking/vaping, alcohol, scrolling, snacking)
• Avoidance behaviours (putting off calls, appointments, tasks)

If any of this sounds familiar, it doesn’t mean you’re failing—it usually means your nervous system has been carrying a heavy load for a long time.

Why change can feel harder when you’re stressed

Stress is not just “in your head”. When the body’s stress response is frequently activated, it can affect:

• Attention and focus (harder to concentrate)
• Sleep quality (which then impacts mood and decision-making)
• Emotion regulation (more reactive, less patient)
• Habits and impulses (the brain tends to choose short-term relief)

This is one reason “just push through” strategies often don’t hold up. A more effective approach is to reduce the load, build small consistent routines, and use tools that support behaviour change.

Why now can be a helpful time to make changes

Change doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful. For many people, the most sustainable improvements come from:

1. Regaining a sense of control through small, repeatable actions 2. Reducing unhelpful coping habits (without shame or self-criticism) 3. Building resilience so future stressors are easier to manage

Rather than waiting for life to feel “perfect”, it can help to begin with a few low-risk steps that support your sleep, energy, and mood.

7 practical, evidence-informed actions you can take this week

These strategies are commonly recommended across public health and mental wellbeing guidance because they’re low risk and can be effective when practised consistently.

1) Create a “good enough” sleep routine

• Keep wake-up time as consistent as possible (even on weekends)
• Reduce late-night scrolling (try a 30–60 minute wind-down)
• If you can’t sleep, get up briefly and do something quiet until drowsy

Why it matters: sleep supports stress regulation, appetite hormones, and focus.

2) Use micro-movement to discharge stress

If you’re time-poor, aim for:

• 10 minutes walking after meals, or
• stretching between meetings, or
• a short bodyweight routine at home

3) Try a simple downshift breath (2 minutes)

One approachable option:

• inhale gently through the nose
• exhale slowly (slightly longer than the inhale)
• repeat for 10–15 cycles

Breathing techniques won’t erase life stress, but they can reduce physiological arousal and help you respond more calmly.

4) Reduce news and notification overload

Consider a boundary like:

• check news once per day from reputable sources
• turn off non-essential notifications
• keep your phone out of the bedroom

5) Choose one “keystone habit”

A keystone habit is a small behaviour that makes other behaviours easier—such as:

• preparing a healthy lunch 3 days per week
• a regular bedtime routine
• a short daily walk

6) Add connection (even if brief)

Stress is often worse in isolation. If possible:

• schedule a weekly catch-up
• join a local class or community activity
• use voice notes/calls rather than only text

7) Use a realistic goal format

Try:

• What: “I will walk.”
• When: “After work, Mon/Wed/Fri.”
• Where: “Around my block.”
• Barrier plan: “If it’s raining, I’ll do 10 minutes indoors.”

This keeps change practical—especially during busy or uncertain periods.

Where hypnotherapy and NLP may help (and what to expect)

Many people explore hypnotherapy and NLP-based approaches when stress is linked with habits, sleep issues, fears, or feeling “stuck” in unhelpful patterns.

Hypnotherapy (in a health and wellbeing context)

Clinical hypnosis generally involves guided relaxation and focused attention, with suggestions aimed at supporting therapeutic goals.

Research suggests hypnosis can be helpful for some people for stress-related concerns and behaviour change, often as part of a broader plan. However, results vary by individual and the issue being addressed, and it’s not a substitute for appropriate medical or psychological care when required.

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

NLP is a set of communication and change techniques often used to:

• build awareness of thought and language patterns
• develop practical strategies for behaviour change
• strengthen motivation and follow-through

The evidence base for NLP is mixed depending on the method and outcome measured, so it’s best framed as a skills-based coaching and change approach that may be helpful for some people—particularly when used in a structured, goal-focused way.

Common goals people seek support for

At Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy, services commonly focus on:

• Quit smoking
• Weight loss support (habit change, emotional eating patterns)
• Fears and phobias
• Better sleep
• PTSD and stress management support
• Employee wellbeing programs

A responsible plan usually includes: clear goals, realistic expectations, skill-building between sessions, and collaboration with other supports (e.g., GP, psychologist) when appropriate.

Important: If you have complex trauma, severe depression, or significant mental health symptoms, it’s recommended to involve your GP or a registered mental health professional as part of your care.

When to seek extra support

Consider seeking additional help if stress or anxiety:

• persists most days for weeks
• significantly affects sleep, work, or relationships
• leads to increased reliance on alcohol/drugs
• includes panic symptoms you can’t manage safely

If you or someone you’re with is in immediate danger, call 000.

For support in Australia:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• You can also start with your GP, who can discuss options and referrals.

FAQs

Is hypnosis mind control?

No. Hypnosis is generally described as a state of focused attention and relaxation. People typically remain aware and can choose to engage with suggestions or not.

Can hypnotherapy help with stress and sleep?

For some people, hypnotherapy may help reduce arousal and support healthier sleep routines—particularly when combined with practical sleep and stress strategies.

How many sessions do people usually need?

It depends on the goal, the person, and the complexity of the issue. A reputable practitioner should discuss a plan and review progress rather than making guarantees.

Can sessions be done online?

Many wellbeing-focused sessions can be delivered online for suitable clients, which can be helpful if you’re outside Melbourne or prefer to stay at home.

Is hypnotherapy a replacement for medical care?

No. Hypnotherapy can be used as a complementary approach, but it shouldn’t replace assessment and treatment from qualified medical professionals when needed.

About Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy (Melbourne + online Australia-wide)

Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy supports healthier lifestyle changes using practical, evidence-informed hypnotherapy and NLP techniques.

• Location: Sunshine Primary Health, 111 Durham Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020
• Phone: 1800 760 249
• Email: info@makechanges.com.au
• Service area: Melbourne and online sessions Australia-wide

If you’d like to talk through what you’re experiencing and whether hypnotherapy or NLP may be suitable for your goals, you’re welcome to get in touch.

Ready to explore a practical next step?

If stress has been influencing your sleep, habits, or overall wellbeing, a structured approach can help—especially when it’s tailored to your goals and lifestyle.

To discuss options with Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy, contact 1800 760 249 or info@makechanges.com.au.

References

• World Health Organization (WHO). Stress and mental health resources. https://www.who.int/
• Australian Government / Department of Health and Aged Care – mental health information and supports. https://www.health.gov.au/
• Healthdirect Australia – stress, anxiety, sleep health information. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
• Beyond Blue – anxiety, depression, and wellbeing resources. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) – mental health information. https://www.ranzcp.org/
• Cochrane-style and peer-reviewed reviews on clinical hypnosis for anxiety/stress-related outcomes and smoking cessation (evidence varies by condition and study design; readers are encouraged to discuss suitability with a qualified provider).