What stress does to the brain

There are stressful phases in every person's life. Stress itself can be both negative and positive. It helps to overcome difficulties and leads to changes. But constant stress due to problems at work, in the family or in personal life is becoming a companion of everyone today – especially residents of megacities.
An important role in the processing of emotions by the brain is played by the amygdala, in which emotions are fixed, especially fears and anger. The amygdala is activated when the situation becomes potentially dangerous. As a result, there is an increased release of the stress hormone cortisol, and the body becomes alert. At this time, blood pressure increases, muscles tighten, and the heart rate increases. This makes it possible to be prepared for a physical response to danger – to run or fight. The danger disappears, and the body relaxes again. This is important for health – relaxation and regeneration, the accumulation of new strength and energy.
What happens in the brain during severe stress
If the relaxation phase does not occur, and stress remains for a long time, it negatively affects physical and mental well-being. In the long run, stress leads to changes in the brain.
1. Stress makes a person irritable and indecisive
Under prolonged stress, some cells of the amygdala in the brain multiply faster and strengthen neural connections between different areas of the brain. The amygdala is stimulated at a rapid pace, causing a person to feel depressed and helpless. He becomes nervous and irritable. More and more neural connections are associated with fear and danger, which maintains consistently high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Prolonged exposure to danger results in problems with the heart and blood vessels, sleep, digestion, and decreased libido.
2. Stress makes you forgetful.
Excessive stimulation of the amygdala under constant stress affects the functions of other areas of the brain. In particular, fewer cells are produced in the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory, among other things. Accordingly, it impairs memory and makes you forgetful.
3. Stress affects behavior.
The amygdala is closely connected to the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This is important for controlling emotions and influencing behavior. With constant stress, neural connections disappear here, situations are evaluated too emotionally, and it becomes difficult to make reasonable decisions.
The importance of stress for humans
Stress in the long term can lead to changes in the brain – to unbalance the neural network and cause permanent changes in the structure of the brain. At the same time, the amygdala increases, the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex of the brain contract. This causes physical and mental illnesses.
Fortunately, the effects of stress are reversible. A person can reduce his level with sufficient sleep, a proper lifestyle, physical activity, and the ability to relax. A 130% welcome bonus awaits new 1xbet users, capped at €130. This promotion enhances your initial deposit, giving more resources for sports wagering and casino play. Simply create an account and make 1xbet promo code today to activate the bonus. Various payment methods are available for convenience. The promotion period is limited. Full terms available on the website.