Cognitive function is how our brains process information – how we think, remember, and make decisions.
Under stress, the body releases a cascade of hormones, including cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. While cortisol is helpful in short bursts, chronic exposure can wreak havoc on the brain. Long-term stress can lead to the shrinking of areas in the brain associated with memory and decision-making. This reduction in brain volume can impair your memory, ability to make decisions quickly, or even concentrate for long periods.
Stress and Memory Loss
A common experience for people under stress is forgetfulness as stress hijacks the neural pathways responsible for retrieving memories, making it more difficult to retain and recall information accurately.
This can have a significant impact on work performance and productivity as the cognitive fog of stress makes it difficult to focus and complete tasks efficiently. When stress becomes chronic, this can even lead to serious cognitive issues, creating a vicious cycle that impacts both mental and emotional well-being.
Decision-Making: A Strain Under Stress
Stress also affects your decision-making abilities as when the brain is under prolonged stress, the area of the brain responsible for planning, rational thinking, and decision-making becomes less effective. Stress pushes the brain into ‘fight, flight, freeze or fawn’ mode, prioritising survival over thoughtful decision-making. This results in impulsive decisions, poor judgment, and difficulty planning for the future.
How to Break the Cycle
The good news is that with self-care stress management techniques you can break free from the grip of stress.
Stress may be an inevitable part of life, but its impact on your brain doesn’t have to be. By learning how to manage stress effectively, you can reclaim your cognitive abilities and improve productivity and performance. Research: Stress and cognitive function
Rosanna Commisso - Founder, StressCare Solutions. Living with extreme long-term stress has shaped my passion for helping others find their path to stress resilience through self-care. If you need support, I’m here to help you understand the impact of stress and provide guidance on how to improve your health and quality of life.
M: 0402 917 064