Chronic stress impairs cognition, but there are things you’re free to do to mitigate the effects.
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But our lifestyles can make a major difference.
In particular, chronic stress can lead to lower cognitive functionno matter our age.
Symptoms of chronic stress
Feeling momentarily stressed is part of being human.
neurologist and president of GIA Miami, a mental health clinic
Feeling chronically stressed, however, doesnt (or at least, shouldnt) have to be.
Our brain can overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening, he says.
One of the most frequent cognitive effects is forgetfulness or misremembering things, he says.
One of the most frequent cognitive effects is forgetfulness or misremembering things.
Antonello Bonci, MD
Thats not all.
Whats more, being perpetually stressed can take a notable toll on our concentration and focus.
How stress affects the brain
Quite literally, stress has the ability to change our brains.
In danger mode, cell function favors survival rather than optimal function.
That said, human cells are resilient and built to bounce back once the stressor passes.
neurologist and president of GIA Miami, a mental health clinic
The problem is, if youre chronically stressed, cells dont have the chance to recuperate.
So, without them intact, you could become a totally different person altogether.
This is known as trauma, she says.
In those cases, the cells get stuck in danger mode.
When unaddressed, pathways in the brain can eventually change and chronic conditions can arise as a result.
Even addiction is thought to be related to this mechanism.
With that in mind, here are seven ways to relieve the burden of stress.
(See: Hats that joke BRB Going to Therapy and t-shirts that pronounce I Love My Therapist.)
Reaching out can help you cope better with stress and become more resilient, Dr. Bonci says.
Earlier intervention may reduce complications induced by a prolonged-stressful situation.
Establish a routine
You know all those TikToks and Reels putting morning and evening routines on a pedestal?
This can manifest in many ways but its most helpful when a routine is centered around health and connection.
Think: adequate sleep, nutritious meals, regularexercise, andquality time with loved ones.
Having an ongoing manageable to-do list centered around certain hours can help, too.
Stress can result in sleep difficulties, inducing a vicious cycle, Dr. Bonci says.
Make time to unwind
Life is about more than just AM and PM routines, work, and sleep.
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