We often hear this phrase. If I had known what I know now… <\/p>\n
I confess, when I realized the impact of stress on the brain and how it absolutely cannot work in the same way at that moment, I thought “this explains it”! If I had known what I know now, I would certainly have taken steps to relax before my exams at school (from high school to university)! <\/p>\n
“Stress eventually becomes harmful. Over time, high cortisol levels degrade the brain and other body systems. This kind of brain damage is associated with a number of health problems, including depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as memory loss and dementia.” Let’s talk science<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Imagine this scene.<\/h4>\n
You’re in a large auditorium – at the theater or elsewhere – and suddenly the power goes out. What happens? <\/p>\n
The lights go out and those that come on are just the little beacons to indicate emergency exits.<\/p>\n
In a way, this is the same phenomenon that occurs in the brain when we’re under stress. The lights go out – the circuits that aren’t ESSENTIAL to our survival shut down – and all that’s left are tiny spotlights that shine dimly to show us which way to go. <\/p>\n
What are “non-essential” circuits?<\/h4>\n
Just think about it. Patience, communication, concentration, a sense of humor… and that’s what will keep me alive. Nervous reflexes, more adrenalin, faster heartbeat, shorter breathing, etc. <\/p>\n
Had I known…<\/em><\/h5>\n
I’m sure I’m not the only one to have stood in front of my exam paper and been left completely blank by questions I knew the answers to the night before! When I got to the exam room, I now realize that I was developing a higher level of stress. Hello closed circuits! Impossible to remember anything! My brain didn’t work in the same way at all!<\/p>\n\n