Science Common Sense
850 - What happens to the brain during stress or anxiety?
When you feel stressed or anxious, your brain goes into "alert mode." Here's what happens:
- A warning signal: Your brain's "warning system" (called the amygdala) sends out a warning signal that something's wrong.
- Stress hormones released: Your brain releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare your body to "fight or run."
- Brain areas affected: Stress affects different parts of your brain, like the hippocampus (memory), prefrontal cortex (thinking and decision-making), and other areas that help you feel emotions.
- Racing thoughts: Your brain starts racing with thoughts and worries, making it harder to focus and think clearly.
Remember, your brain is like a supercomputer, and when it's stressed, it can get "glitchy" and overwhelmed. But with help and practice, you can learn to calm your brain and feel better.