Have you had a friend tell you to “relax” or “take a deep breath” recently? Even better – have you actually followed those directions? These warnings could be a sign that the people closest to you are worried about your stress levels. (And honestly, they have every right to check in!)
So many of us aren’t concerned about our stress levels, but we should be. Over time, the effects of prolonged stress actually change how your brain operates. Stress also impacts your body. And spoiler alert – the effects aren’t good for us. Keep reading to find out why.
Stress Affects Our Brain Function
It’s impossible to avoid every single stressor in your life. And honestly, you shouldn’t. In small amounts, stress is good for us. Without it, we’d likely lack motivation and drive.
But in larger, sustained amounts, stress can shrink, expand, and rewire the most important parts of your brain. Here’s a closer look at how excessive stress changes your brain:
Amygdala Expansion
Your amygdala is in the center of your brain, and its main function is to control emotional responses. But when it’s hyperactive, it can’t distinguish between stressful and calm situations. As a result, it reacts too strongly to minor stressors, leaving you stressed more often.
Hippocampus Reduction
Basically, this is the part of your brain that’s responsible for learning, memory formation, and stress regulation. During prolonged periods of stress, it starts to shrink, which hinders its ability to control your stress response.
Prefrontal Cortex Impairment
The control center for decision-making and focus weakens after excessive stress. Without downtime for our nervous system to relax and recover, the prefrontal cortex loses much of its functionality.
White Matter Growth
Our brains have a very specific number of information-processing cells. But chronic stress promotes the creation of more “insulation” cells, which are only beneficial in moderation. With too many of these cells, we’re more susceptible to anxiety and mood disorders.
Chronic Inflammation
In a constant state of stress, the brain experiences persistent low-grade inflammation. Over time, this can increase the risk of and accelerate neurodegenerative diseases.
This Damage Isn’t Permanent
Here’s the good news we’ve all been waiting for: stress damage can be reversed! Our brains are extremely resilient and adaptable. This means that any effects that stress has left behind can be reversed over time. But this healing process can only happen if you consistently prioritize these coping skills for stress:
- Prioritize sleep. Recommended sleep lengths are more than merely suggestions. Getting at least 7 hours every night can help repair important connections in your brain.
- Adopt an active lifestyle. Daily movement helps promote brain cell growth, specifically in the hippocampus. Even a 15-minute daily walk can have great benefits.
- Practice mindfulness. (We know this can be a bit of a buzzword these days!) Meditating, deep breathing, and journaling can all regulate the amygdala and lower cortisol levels.
Finding relief from long-term stress on your own is no easy feat. Often, leaning on a trusted support system is the best first step. And that’s exactly where therapy comes in. You can learn some more helpful coping skills by checking out these stress management coping skills.
Stress Relief in Fort Worth Therapy Sessions
By working with a licensed counselor, you’re able to move out of “fight-or-flight” mode and live a calmer life all around. With new coping mechanisms and stress management techniques, you’re more prepared for the everyday stressors that life throws at you.
When you’re ready to know what it’s like to feel at ease, reach out to our Fort Worth team!