Stress on the Brain



Howard says stress can occur when behaving in an unnatural manner or going against the grain of your brain�s natural abilities (see �The Brain�s Limitations,� below). Prolonged stress produces sustained high levels of cortisol. As a result, Howard explains, the hippocampus�where memory is stored� shrinks, reducing the production of neurons and affecting memory, mood and other mental functions.



In short, stress on the brain can cause you to think unclearly. �There is an inverse relationship between the arousal of the amygdala�the part of the brain that stores emotional memories�and the ability to think clearly,� says Rock. �A little arousal caused by an impending deadline will help you focus. But ongoing and high arousal will cause the brain to shut down. That switching point is different for everyone. Some people thrive in high-arousal situations, and some people can�t bear any amount.�



Unfortunately for those who don�t thrive on stress, workplace anxiety is high. Leaders should look at stress the way neuroscientists do, says Weber, noting that participants in some workplace cultures brag about being stressed and busy all the time. �Did you know that stress shrinks the brain mass and knocks off at least 10 years of your life and lowers your [immunity]?� she warns.



To offset stress, Howard recommends getting 10 minutes of vigorous exercise to get oxygen to the brain�the neuroscientific basis for �blowing off steam.� This strategy also helps prepare for stressful situations. �To be calm, opt for an aerobic activity,� he says. To be aggressive, �choose a competitive sport in which you are likely to win.�



You need to work to get your body�s intake of oxygen to the brain. Sitting still all day deprives the mind and body of oxygen, explains Weber.



Some HR professionals promote stress-reducing activities in the workplace by sponsoring yoga classes or fitness centers. Now, they can cite neuroscience to back up these decisions.









Source: http://www.shrm.org/hrmagazine/articles/0308/0308fox.asp