Stress On Brain Health Flashcards
How does the brain respond to stress in a natural way?
Fight or flight reflexes kick in, higher level thinking slows, & memory focuses on risks and dangers, not on details
What is the Limbic system?
It’s part of the brain in charge of processing and making sense of incoming information
1. Amygdala: Emotions
2. Hippocampus: New memories
What is special about the amygdala and hippocampus?
They contain the highest number of cortisol receptors, therefore, they are most affected by stress.
What is chronic stress to the brain?
It makes the brain hyper-reactive and always ready to respond to danger (even perceived danger).
The brains response to chronic stress can lead to what?
Glucocorticoid receptor resistance - cortisol stays high, but body becomes resistant
Increased infection
Depression and/or anxiety
Impaired learning and memory
Brain fog (difficulty concentrating, confusion, forgetfulness)
What about neuroplasticity?
Chronic stress can decrease neuroplasticity, but there are ways to improve it and build new neural pathways while a person still has it.
What are 4 ways to preserve and improve neuroplasticity? (Reduce stress)
Meditation, learning new skills, physical activity, social interaction
What else is stress relief important for?
Improving HPA-axis dysfunction and hormone health
How can you help clients support adrenal health?
(Adrenal Health Protocol) Phase 1
Helping to clean up their diet, recommend regular meal times, educating on how to include a good balance of macronutrients by type and quantity
What’s Phase 2 of the Adrenal Health Protocol?
Lifestyle shifts, such as taking time to pause - taking short breaks to breathe, meditate, or walk
Creating clear boundaries & priorities - creating a realistic to-do list focusing on what’s important, evaluating the value of adding anything new
Ask for help - may be difficult for “perfectionists”
Crowding out stress with relaxing & restorative activities
