How does Stress cause memory impairment?

One of the biggest reasons people can’t remember things is lack of concentration. Under stress, it is hard to concentrate. Sometimes, you feel you have memory loss ­ that you are “forgetting things” ­ but the real problem is that you never “stored” the information to begin with.

The “Brain” Connection Between Stress and Memory

Memories are stored in the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain. But before memories can be stored, they must be created. People who are under tremendous, unrelenting stress for weeks or more (and who isn’t these days???!!) may experience memory impairment, because this relentless stress may directly harm the hippocampus in the brain.

The hippocampus plays a critical part of acquiring and “cementing” new memories. The hippocampus signals whether a new memory should be stored as a long term memory. The hippocampus is located deep inside the brain, near the Amygdala, which responds to emotionally charged information. Based on the proximity of the emotional and memory centers, it is easy to understand why intense stress may actually result in a physical response that results in memory impairment.

Meanwhile, it is the Myelin coatings on the nerve endings that enable transmission of signals to our brain. A recent study noted that the breakdown of Myelin coating in mid-life may be a precursor for Alzheimer’s Disease. Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in preserving the myelin coatings that support optimal cognitive functioning. For more information about nutrient supplements to sustain and improve memory, and overall brain health: Nutrient Supplements to Sustain and Improve Memory.

Good Stress & Bad Stress

Have you ever noticed that even the GREAT things in life can result in inability to concentrate and anxiety, resulting in inability to concentrate? You just received an awesome job offer, but can’t remember the name of the person you interviewed with. Your kids are coming to take you on a vacation, but you can’t remember when! You finally received your income tax rebate, but you can’t remember where you put it!

At the end of the day, it’s all good, but its all Stress!

Stress can and will cause you to forget. Stress (even good stress) makes it hard to remember in the first place.

One of the best thing you can do to improve your memory: CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK and RELAX! It is in relaxation that your cognitive functioning is best.

All Systems Need Rest. Your Brain is no different

Which is more valuable? A sharp paring knife that does the job right every time but is used less, or a worn out steak knife that is always there but botches the tomatoes? The impact of relentless stress on your memory is like that. Turn you brain into a finely honed tool instead of an over-used utensil. For best memory, your brain can not always be working- it requires REST.

Do you feel like you just want to hide under the covers? Do it. Take a “mental health day” off from work. You will improve your cognitive functioning and have better concentration and better recall. But be purposeful! Take that mental health day off seriously! Do not allow stress to creep into your brain. Instead, fill your day with PEACE AND LAUGHTER. Whatever it takes to find them. Do it.

Peace and Laughter ward off stress and worry

How can you Reduce Stress to Improve Your Memory?

Getting serious about putting peace and laughter into your life.
Peace and laughter will help you to sustain and improve your memory!

Laughter is easy. Read a funny book. Look at funny pictures. Watch a comedy. Think about or do something absurd. Imagine practical jokes. Go to a comedy show! Do you think laughter is a waste of time? It is not!! It will improve your ability to remember!!

But Peace? Peace is hard. How do you create that internal peace that gives your brain a rest from worry and stress? True peace that will improve your cognitive functioning?

Right now, imagine the things that give you peace of mind and heart.

Oceans? Lakes? Waterways?

The stars at night?

Tea and cinnamon toast?

A Swedish massage?

The symphony? The sound of violins and harps?

The sound of a fountain? Birds?

Prayer?

Sometimes, doing something you love can bring you inner peace. Like photography, golf, or swimming. But most often peace is found in the sensory experiences that create experiences bypassing immediate thought- sights, smells, sounds, even tastes. The senses, and sensory experiences, impact not only inner peace- they impact our ability to remember. It is interesting that peace is found in, and memories are most likely to be remembered in, the context of sensory experiences.

Remember the smell of your mother’s turkey stuffing?

Make a list of the sensory things that give you peace now! Even use this list to being writing a journal! Journaling has been shown to reduce stress and improve memory, too. If you want, share your list with us by typing it in our Make Friends community chat room. Learn more about Journaling.