The Effects of Stress on Your Mind
We’ve talked about the body’s survival mode (Fight or Flight). This is the body’s response to a temporary (acute) stress event. An example is a car that pulls out in front of you with little time to react.
Believe it or not, an occasional shock caused by a stressful event is actually healthy to your body. Researchers have determined that an occasional jolt of stress hormones can help your immune system be ready for future shocks or fights with infection.
However, when acute (temporary) stress is replaced by chronic (constant) stress, the effects of stress hormones over time can be devastating to not only your body, but your thinking processes as well. Think about it. When the body senses stress, it switches from the “thinking” part of your brain to the “reacting” part of your brain. Imagine what happens when you become stressed when you have to give a speech in front of a group! Many a person has inserted foot into mouth at a time like that!
Chronic stress, in which your prefrontal cortex is shoved to the rear, can cause problems over time with your ability to concentrate, learn, or even remember. Any of these sound familiar to you?
Let’s take a look next at how stress affects your emotions.
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Effects of Stress on Your Emotions
Chronic stress is linked to both depression and anxiety.
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Effects of Stress on Your Body
If you live with a great deal of stress, the long term effect on your body could be disastrous.
Other Steps in this Section:
The effects of stress to our society are staggering.
Effects of Stress on Your Health
If you live with a great deal of stress, the long term effect on your body could be disastrous.
