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  • The Mind Body Foundation

Chronic Stress damages brain structure and connectivity.

Stress and Cognitive Functioning


When a person is chronically stressed, the stress hormones decrease the functioning of brain cells by affecting various regions of the brain. This is why people go into a ‘frenzy’ when they are under situations that cause stress. Ex: planning your finances, meeting deadlines, and in fact, any pressure to perform can lead to the release of stress hormones almost perpetually.


The hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory, is affected leading to memory problems.


The frontal lobes, the part of the brain that is necessary for paying attention, filtering out irrelevant information, and using judgment to solve problems, are also affected.


Hence, individuals who are chronically stressed experience:

Memory Problems

Confusion

Prioritizing tasks

Difficulty Concentrating

Trouble learning new information

Problems with decision-making.



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