We live in a fast-paced, ever moving life these days. Coupled with the global pandemic of COVID19,stress can happen to any of us at any time. So what are the effects stress has on the brain? 

Chronic stress can affect brain size, its structure and how it functions. Stress begins with something called the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis. High levels of HPA activates a high level hormone called cortisol , which primes your body for instant action. High levels of cortisol over long periods of time wreak havoc on your brain.

Cortisol can cause your brain to shrink in size. This can lead to fewer new brain cells being made and can affect concentration. Chronic stress can make it hard for you to learn things and can bring about depression and eventually alzheimer’s disease.