Does Stress Make You Stupid?

Recently, I have been learning more and more about the effects of prolonged stress on the human body

. The presence of excessive stress hormones in the body can cause the body to retain fat--especially around the abdomen--which actually promotes the production of even more stress hormones.

What's more, it can actually damage our genes inside of our cells and can ultimately lead to the premature death of brain cells. Even if your brain cells don't fade away, your hypothalamus can be affected, resulting in memory loss and inability to assimilate new information. Yikes!

So what is to be done? Well, different tricks work for different people, but I can give you some general guidelines to help you banish stress and learn to refocus your mind.

First, you should be aware that your nutrition affects the function of virtually every system in your body. Because stress can weaken the immune system, resulting in susceptibility to the cold and flu (along with other communicable diseases like strep throat and pneumonia), you should increase your intake of Vitamin C.

Furthermore, you should investigate brain supplements that are known to boost concentration, alertness, and memory function. Taking them daily can help counteract the debilitating effect of stress. But of course, the best-case scenario would involve reducing your stress level. That isn't always possible, however, so stick with the supplements, as they may have added benefits, even when you aren't feeling quite as overwhelmed.

Give yourself something to look forward to on a regular basis. Whether it's a piece of dark chocolate or a bowl of ice cream at the end of the day or a night out with your best friends at the end of the week, you can keep your mind more occupied and feel more at ease when you know that it's just a little while longer until you get to indulge yourself with something you love.

If this is not enough, think big: plan a vacation with your family, your spouse, or your best friend. My spouse and I are preparing to embark on a tour of Ireland in about six weeks, but we booked our flight almost nine months ago, and the prospect has sustained me through numerous periods of anxiety, including large workloads, preparation for college graduation, family troubles, and more.

Such a big getaway is not always feasible, but then plan for a more frugal vacation--go camping or stay at a resort in your own city.

Whatever you are facing that is causing your stress, remember to take a few minutes yourself each day to take a deep breath and clear your mind. It will do you and your body a world of good.

by: Art Gib

POST COMMENT

How To Make Moving To Germany As Stress-free As Possible Jury Awards $4.4 Million For Infant's Brain Damage After Nurse Trainee Does Not Detect Fetal Distress Exercising Your Way To Reduced Stress How To Face Stress Chiefs Ticket Can Help You Relieve Stress Stress | How to Manage Stress at Work Seven Efficient Ways to Cut Out Stress in Your Life Impact of Stress Now Is The Time To De-stress Coping With Stress - A couple of the Types and Origins ESTRESSE, O QUE É ISSO ? A POS Stress Reliever Is Your Agent a Certified Distressed Property Expert?