Stress Management - Is Your Memory Being Sapped By Stress?

Managing your stress can improve your memory. We all know chronic stress is bad for our heart, our weight, and our mood, but how about our memory? Interestingly, acute stress can help you focus and remember things more vividly. Chronic stress, on the other hand, reduces your ability to focus and can specifically damage cells in the brain effecting short term memory. Did you know that the emotional and physical responses you have to stress are set in motion by a series of chemical releases and reactions? If it's been a really, really tough week at work or home and you can't remember where you put your car keys, it may be that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol are interfering with your memory. Stress frequently is the result of a hectic schedule. So hectic, in fact, that we tend to forget things.

If you feel stressed out and forgetful, relieve your brain's overload during times of chaos and tension. When your concentration wanes, it's up to you to rein it in and regain control.

There are a few ways you can improve the function of your mind during duress. The first option is to exercise. The movement helps your brain generate new cells that are linked with the improvement of memory.

Don't isolate yourself, make sure you socialize with friends and family. People who are highly stressed are often isolated, working alone and over-burdened by their tasks. Socializing, gives your brain a workout because it's adjusting to a new environment and situations.

If you have a long commute, you might consider listening to an audio CD with a narration like a fiction or non-fiction book. Some people like to listen to these as they work out, or when relaxing at home.

And break up other routines that you have, such as how you get home from work, or which restaurant the family dines at one night. If you're used to buying your lunch at the office cafeteria, brown-bag it instead and sit outside under a tree to enhance your senses and give your memory powers a much-needed boost.

Stress Management can improve your memory. Stress doesn't have to cause your memory to deteriorate. As long as you give your mind a workout the same way you would your body, you'll have a healthy memory that allows you to remember the important things during times of stress and anxiety. Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Life.