First things first: not all stress is bad for you. There are two main kinds of stress - acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is the reaction to an immediate threat, commonly known as the 'fight or flight' response. Some degree of acute stress is desirable as it primes your brain for performance and spontaneity, however, chronic stress which most of us might be facing day in and day out is dangerous. Chronic stress and cortisol (stress hormone) can damage the brain. It can trigger long-term changes in brain structure and function. Young people who are exposed to chronic stress early in life are prone to problems such as anxiety, mood disorders as well as learning difficulties.
Elevated levels of cortisol can generate over-production of myelin-producing cells (which control human impulses) and fewer neurons than normal. The hippocampus, the portion of the brain which regulates memory and emotions, shrinks under extended periods of acute stress. This results in an excess of myelin-and too much white matter-in some areas of the brain. The 'stress hormone' cortisol is believed to create a domino effect that hard-wires pathways between the hippocampus and amygdala, (which controls fear responses) in a way that create a constant state of fight-or-flight.
Weight gain, mood swings, poor sleep, short attention span, and memory issues are common signs of stress due to elevated cortisol. Regular physical Activity and mindful meditation are two effective ways to reduce stress.
-Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy-
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