Have you ever felt so stressed out that you just wanted to scream? Whenever you get to this point, remember to take a minute to relax and breathe. Allowing stress to affect you like this can have awful effects on your brain if you let it.

Effects of Stress

• Poor Memory – When the brain is put under high levels of stress, changes happen within the hippocampus. As a result, cognitive function can suffer which can negatively affect memory, learning, and emotional well-being. The changes in your brain can also lead to neurological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Depression – High levels of stress can inhibit the production of new neurons in the hippocampus. A lack of new neurons will decrease your ability to bounce back from emotional episodes, which can lead to depression-like symptoms. Putting yourself in a stressful situation can possibly leave you with a depressing outcome.

Eliminating Stress

• Burn It Off – Research has found that exercising can reduce elevations in stress hormones throughout the brain. Being able to quickly reduce these stress hormones can help limit any neural damage that could take place. So if you’re feeling stressed out, take up a yoga class or go for a quick 30 minute walk.
• Sleep It Off – Getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night is needed to help limit the presence of stress hormones in the brain. Unfortunately, if you’ve been depriving your body of this sleep, you can actually increase your stress levels. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, on a consistent schedule, in a comfortable environment.

Everyone experiences stress every now and then, but it’s important to get it under control before it can negatively affect your brain. For other useful tips and information, visit our blog! If you’re interested in learning more, or visiting The Arbors Assisted Living community, schedule a tour by contacting one of our five convenient locations:

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