Photo credit: Анна Малышева (Заволока)
Unwind
Chronic stress isn’t just uncomfortable—it can actually harm your brain over time. When you’re stressed all the time, your body stays in “fight-or-flight” mode. This means your stress hormone, cortisol, stays high, and inflammation in your body increases. Over time, this can shrink a part your hippocampus, which is important for memory and learning.
Studies show that people under long-term stress can have smaller hippocampuses. Another part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex—responsible for decision-making and focus—also becomes less active. This makes it harder to think clearly, be creative, and learn new things. Your brain starts focusing more on survival than on growth.
Chronic stress also affects your daily habits. It can mess up your sleep, lead you to choose unhealthy foods, and make you feel too tired or unmotivated to exercise. In this way, stress doesn’t just hurt your brain directly—it also makes it harder to take care of yourself in general.
But not all stress is bad. Some stress can actually help your brain grow. This kind of “good stress” comes from doing meaningful and challenging things that match your goals. People who live with purpose often have better brain health and stay sharper as they age.
Try This Strategy
The real problem is stress that feels endless, out of your control, and without purpose. A simple way to start managing this is by making two lists. On one side, write down the stress in your life that feels pointless or overwhelming. On the other side, write down activities that give you energy and meaning. Over time, try to reduce the first list and spend more time on the second.
Stress Factoid of the Week
Ongoing stress that builds up can actually be measured by stress hormones, blood pressure, heart rate, and even levels of inflammation
