There are a thousand ways to deal with stress. However, is it as scary as it is commonly believed? Neuropsychologist Ian Robertson reveals the positive side of him. It turns out that stress can be not only an enemy. How does this happen?
Do you have neck, head, throat or back pain? Do you sleep badly, can’t remember what you talked about a minute ago, and you just can’t concentrate? These are signs of stress. But it is useful in what is associated with cognitive function. It is stress that releases the hormone norepinephrine (norepinephrine), which in small doses increases the efficiency of the brain.
The level of norepinephrine in the normal functioning of the body is within certain limits. This means that at rest, the brain works half-heartedly, as well as memory. Optimal brain efficiency is achieved when different parts of the brain begin to interact better due to the active participation of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. When all parts of your brain work like a good orchestra, you will feel how your productivity increases and your memory improves.
Our brains work more efficiently during times of stress.
Pensioners who are exposed to stress due to family conflicts or the illness of a partner retain memory at a better level for two or more years than older people who live a calm, measured life. This feature was discovered when studying the impact of stress on the mental activity of people with different levels of intelligence. People with above-average intelligence produce more norepinephrine when challenged with a difficult problem than those with average intelligence. An increase in the level of norepinephrine was diagnosed by pupil dilation, a sign of norepinephrine activity.
Norepinephrine can act as a neuromodulator, stimulating the growth of new synaptic connections throughout the brain. This hormone also promotes the formation of new cells in certain areas of the brain. How to determine the “stress dose” under which our productivity will be optimal?
Two ways to use stress to improve performance:
1. Note the symptoms of arousal
Before an exciting event, such as a meeting or presentation, say out loud, «I’m excited.» Signs such as increased heart rate, a dry mouth, and excessive sweating occur with both joyful excitement and increased anxiety. By naming your feelings, you are one step closer to super-productivity, because you realize that now the level of adrenaline in the brain is rising, which means that the brain is ready to act quickly and clearly.
2. Take two deep slow breaths in and out
Inhale slowly to the count of five, then exhale just as slowly. The area of the brain where norepinephrine is produced is called the blue spot (lat. locus coeruleus). It is sensitive to the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. We can regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood through breathing and increase or decrease the amount of norepinephrine released. Since norepinephrine triggers the “fight or flight” mechanism, you can control your anxiety and stress levels with your breath.