The 5 types of stress 'persona', and our neuroscientist's tips for balancing yours

With our latest research revealing that 65% of women feel stressed every day*, finding balance has never felt like more of a priority. Here, our resident neuroscientist reveals how adapting to your stress ‘persona’ helps you stay grounded.

 

 

Is slowing down and reducing stress levels one of your goals for the year ahead? 

You’re not alone. When we asked 2,000 women how stressed they felt on a daily basis, the results were overwhelming, with everything from sleep and work to family life and financial worries cited as causing the most stress. 

“Women’s brains are remarkable, supporting us, learning and adapting to fit the many life stages we see in a lifetime,” explains Wild Nutrition’s in-house Neuroscientist and brain performance coach, Nicole Vignola. “But there are times when our central nervous system is in overdrive,  juggling the mental load and societal expectation, which we all deal with differently.”

 

So, how can you better understand why you’re feeling stressed, and what can you do about it? 

First up, recognising your individual stress ‘persona’ can help make sense of what triggers your feelings of stress, your natural response, and help you to enhance your coping mechanisms.  

Here, Nicole breaks down the five types of stress ‘persona’ that most women can identify with – and shares her expert tips on how to adapt your daily routine and activities to find your balance and feel more grounded every day.

Which stress ‘persona’ are you?

• ‘The Methodical Mind’  

You’re a woman who needs a plan, and without it can feel unsettled and not in control.

Our expert says: “To find balance, people with this persona should factor in time for rest and relaxation. Low stimulus downtime, such as reading, a regular hobby or tidying and organising your space, can help you stay balanced.”

 

•   ‘The Sensitive Navigator’

You get drained easily and switch between calm and overwhelmed, so you need strong boundaries.

Our expert says, “For the sensitive navigator, rebalancing during times of stress will come from getting out in nature or making time for yourself. To stay balanced, try journaling, breathwork and long showers."

 

• ‘The Burnt-Out Caregiver’

Because you’re always putting others first, you never feel able to fully relax, leaving you feeling stressed and tired. 

Our expert says: “Find time to sleep or be alone with no responsibilities, and don’t be tempted to ‘switch off’ by scrolling or watching TV. For complete rest, book activities such as an art class or hotel spa that you prebook and commit to to give yourself accountability and less chance of cancelling.” 

 

• ‘The Growth Seeker’

You’re drawn to self-development and generally feel in control, but can struggle with big life transitions.

Our expert says: “Having daily rituals to feel anchored will help growth seekers balance themselves. To stay balanced, try yoga and energy work.”

 

• ‘The High-Functioning Achiever’

Working long hours and always being ‘on’ means that you struggle to slow down without feeling guilty

Our expert says: “The key to high-functioning achievers finding balance is getting away from their usual setting with overnight stays and holidays. To stay balanced, prioritise lots of movement like walking and workouts, as sitting around will not help you feel rested.”

 

More ways to find your balance 

Stress has a habit of keeping you up at night, too. In fact, our research found that a lack of sleep was the top reason that women are feeling stressed, so improving sleep quality is key when looking for ways to reduce your stress levels. 

For wellness advice completely tailored to you, book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert nutritional therapists. Whatever’s on your mind, our all-woman team is here for you. 

And, if you’d like to explore more of Nicole’s findings on how the female brain works, check out How your brain rewires itself through womanhood and Five ways to nurture your brain for more fascinating insights and research. 

*Data from 1,000 women surveyed in our 2026 Rooted in Wellness research report