In the advanced and highly busy life, stress has become an integral part of our daily lives. This, in turn, has an adverse effect on physical and mental health. Further, it leads to a lack of peace, disturbed lifestyle, lower cognitive function, less concentration, memory problems, etc. Thus, managing stress to protect our brain health is at the top priority.
Understanding common stress signs helps individuals to adopt specific techniques to reduce side effects. You can also adopt effective tips for better stress management and protect your brain health.
The blog explores brain health and stress, along with key stress management strategies for an overall healthy lifestyle.
What is Brain Health?
The WHO describes brain health as the functioning of the brain in the behavioural, cognitive, sensory, social, etc. It is a must for an individual to live life happily without consideration of disorders. It impacts learning and working, even to the extent of living, thus it is an essential contributor to our health.
What Is Stress?
Stress is a bodily response to situational instances. When everyone is experiencing stress, the body reacts by releasing hormones which place the body in a state of awareness, dormant for a timeframe, and prepares the body for the appropriate circumstance.
Conversely, shorter stress is helpful, especially as it can potentially enhance your ability to concentrate and focus attention on what the task at hand is, while chronic stress can have adverse effects on your health.
Effects of Stress on Your Brain Health
Stress is a response the brain sends to the body when things are perceived to be threatening.
For chronic stress, it has worse effects on memory by causing damage to our brain, the hippocampus, which is required for learning things and retaining memories.
Longer stress in the body, the prefrontal cortex, which is very important for decision making and social conduct, also begin to shrink. Causes memory issues, brain fog, inability to concentrate, etc
Tips To Manage Stress and Protect Brain Health
- Exercise Regularly
Exercise lowers stress hormones and lightens mood. Exercise such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc increases blood circulation, improves functioning, and a lot more. Any kind of aerobic exercise you choose should be enjoyable.
- Better Sleep to Decrease Stress
Sleep is key factor in good mental health benefits and stress reduction. When we are sleep deprived, cortisol increases, which can worsen stress levels. So cultivate sleep cycle to signal for your body to wind down. Make sure not to use screens and to avoid caffeine in the evening.
- Intake Brain-Healthy Diet
Eat foods to nourish your brain cells with antioxidants, Omega 3’s and B vitamins. Foods with leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, etc are shown to better mood and can help lessen the effects of any stress.
- Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness practices (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises) can help lower stress and calm you. It can also improve emotional regulation. Exploring different types of meditations will allow you to identify suitable for you.
- Build Social Connections
Spending time with other people to socialize can reduce stress. Most people find that spending time with family and friends, or in group activities, supports to reduce isolation. Good interactions lower cortisol levels, and this may protect the brain from stress.
- Gratitude and Positivity
Gratitude can shift your attention away from stress. Positive affirmations can be repeated and helps to overcome destructive thoughts and lead a happy mind. They also bring peace, boost your confidence, and lower stressors.
- Manage Time and Tasks
Good time management can efficiently reduce stress, and planning realistic goals so that you do not feel weak. Set a time and how much you can get done in one day, and delegate tasks whenever possible.
- Less Technology Use
More screen time, using social media, brings mood fluctuations. When you take regular breaks from tech, it is a good way to help better your mind and reduce stress. When you are away from tech, take some time to do an offline activity.
- Engage in Hobbies
Enjoying hobbies and free time activities offers you a break from feelings of stress. Any activity you enjoy may improve your mood and give you a sense of achievement. Adopt different hobbies or benefits of exercise to achieve a better state of mind.
- Seek Professional Support
If you feel exhausted, you may find it helpful to talk to professionals. Counsellor help is needed to manage stressful feelings effectively.
Conclusion
Experiencing feelings of stress can be damaging to the brain, memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation, for your health. With a thorough understanding of the effects of stress, you can take the appropriate steps, as required, to help improve stress. However, the most important thing is to make stress management a necessity, so you can maximize brain health and flourish in life.
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