Do you know what really happens to you when you are stressed?

[cont..]

The two areas of the brain that are mainly affected by stress are the Pre-frontal cortex and the Hippocampus. Pre-frontal cortex is the area of the brain that is right behind our forehead and the hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. These areas are responsible for human intellect functions, executive functions, planning, memory, learning, time management, basic organizational skills, self-control and emotional well-being.

As we age Pre-frontal Cortex is sensitive to thinning which results in impaired memory and cognitive decline. The thinning process of Pre-frontal Cortex accelerates when you are under stress for a long period of time. Further, due to stress there is an increase in activities in the primitive parts of the brain such as Amygdala. Amygdala is commonly known as part of the brain that plays a role in processing fear. When the level of fear increases it increases the anxiety level of oneself.

Other problems we face due to stress includes increased acidity in the body, digestive problems, increase acne, low sex drive, lack of sleep etc.

How can we decrease stress?

Meditation is one way that helps you to decrease stress level. It also helps you to improve brain function . There are several studies conducted to prove if there is any direct co-relation between size of the brain and mediation. According to Lazar, S.W. et al. (2005) “The average cortical thickness of 40 to 50 year old meditation participants was similar to the average thickness of the 20 to 30 year old non-meditators.”

Another study conducted by Luders, R. (2013) states that “…provide preliminary data suggesting that meditation may slow, stall or even reverse age-related brain degeneration.” Thus, by adopting specific life style choices such as meditation helps to manage stress and minimize the thinning of Pre-frontal cortex due to aging.

There are several other methods to decrease your stress level such as journaling, exercising and breathing techniques.

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