October 24th 2024.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? If so, you're not alone. According to the Mental Health Foundation, a whopping 74% of UK adults report feeling stressed at some point in their lives. Stress can manifest itself in different ways for each individual and if left untreated, it can have a negative impact on our mental health and overall well-being. With this in mind, we spoke to Jane Ollis, a medical biochemist, environmental scientist, thinker, speaker, and founder of MindSpire, to learn more about how to recognize stress and what causes it.
So, what exactly is stress and how does it affect our brains? According to Ollis, stress triggers a chain reaction in our brains, starting with the amygdala which senses danger and signals the hypothalamus. This then activates our body's fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. In the short term, this response can be helpful in preparing us to deal with immediate challenges. However, chronic stress can lead to a constant release of cortisol, which can have negative effects on our brains and bodies.
Specifically, excessive cortisol can cause changes in the hippocampus, the part of our brain responsible for memory and learning. While it doesn't physically wear down the hippocampus, prolonged exposure to cortisol can impair its function and contribute to its shrinkage over time. This means that chronic stress may make it harder for us to learn new things or recall memories. Furthermore, cortisol also plays a role in regulating inflammation, and chronic stress can make our bodies resistant to its effects. This can lead to an increase in inflammation, which can contribute to various health issues, including cognitive decline and other stress-related illnesses.
But how do we know if we're stressed? Ollis shares 7 signs to look out for, along with their potential effects on our physical and mental health. These include irritability and mood swings, difficulty sleeping, muscle tension and stress headaches, digestive issues, a decrease in heart rate variability, a weaker immune system, and trouble focusing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to address them before they become more severe.
So, what can we do to manage stress? The first step is to take a step back and breathe. Often, when we gain a clearer perspective, we realize that things aren't as bad as they seem. However, if the stress is taking over our daily lives, it's important to seek help. The NHS recommends talking to friends, family, or a health professional, using calming breathing exercises, implementing time-management techniques, planning ahead for stressful days, and listening to free mental wellbeing audio guides. They also suggest utilizing resources like the Samaritans, who are available 24/7.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help and take care of yourself. Don't let stress control your life. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out and seek support. You deserve to live a happy and healthy life.
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