Chronic stress and the brain: why does slowing down make all the difference?

In the rush of everyday life, stress has become almost inevitable and, in many cases, constant. Unlike one-off stress, chronic stress happens when we are repeatedly exposed to pressures and demands for weeks, months or even years. Although it is often ignored or normalized, chronic stress can have profound and lasting negative effects on the brain, especially in areas linked to reasoning, memory and emotional control.

Prefrontal cortex: the command center of the mind

Located in a region of the brain responsible for performing important functions, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) controls activities such as decision-making, concentration, working memory and control of emotions. The PFC is considered one of the most developed areas of the human brain and, precisely for this reason, it is also one of the most sensitive to the impact of stress.

It has an essential characteristic called neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change throughout life. Neuroplasticity is what allows us to learn, adjust to new situations and form memories. But it also makes the CPF vulnerable to negative influences.

What does chronic stress do to the brain?

When stress is prolonged, the CPF undergoes important changes. It can experience reduced communication between neurons, function less efficiently and even decrease in size in specific areas, such as the medial region, which helps regulate our emotions.

These changes can directly affect our focus, our mood and our ability to cope with everyday life, resulting in difficulty concentrating, memory failures, irritability, anxiety and even depressive symptoms. In the long term, this can lead to the development of conditions such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Another common effect of chronic stress is mental fatigue, caused by cognitive overload. When too much is demanded for too long, the brain goes into a state of exhaustion, which affects not only productivity but also emotional and physical health.

Understanding how stress affects the brain is essential for preventing and treating mental health disorders. The good news is that, thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain is also capable of recovery. With appropriate interventions, such as drug treatment, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, it is possible to reverse some of the negative effects of chronic stress.

Breaks can be good for the brain

In a world where constant stress seems inevitable, taking a break becomes essential. Including moments of conscious breathing in our routine can help us protect our brains, preserve cognitive functions and strengthen our brain power. mental health.

Breathing with intention is more than relaxation: it's investing in your well-being, your mental clarity and your quality of life.

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Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899325000198