And we are trying to do something about it. We attempt to get our eight hours, we practise self-care, we seek out professional help and continue to learn how to do best by our minds and bodies. But the brain is more adaptable than we tend to realise, so perhaps ‘neuroplasticity’ could be the key to helping us thrive in an uncertain world.

According to neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart, neuroplasticity or brain plasticity can be defined as the ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganising its structure, functions or connections.

Put simply, the more flexible your brain is, the more easily you can perform functions that help build new neural pathways that allow us to better manage life’s struggles.

Defining stress as “when the load on your body or your mind is too big to bear”, Dr Swart went on to dispel the myth that some stress is good for you.

“Stress manifests much more physically than we think,” Dr Swart explained on stage at the Strong Women Wellbeing Summit, in partnership with Fitbit. “While a small amount of stress, such as a deadline or nerves before an interview isn’t harmful, any longer period of stress where your cortisol levels remain high can be really damaging.”

What is neuroplasticity, and how can understanding it help you control your stress levels?