Effects of Stress – Is Stress Taking A Toll On Your Memory?

photo credit: Mara 1

Do you have the memory of an elephant? I was never sure whether that was a good thing or not…but if you regularly suffer from the effects of stress overload, you’ll probably agree that one of the first things to be affected, besides your temper, is your memory. 

Stress can often be the result of a hectic schedule, and with so much to do, it’s perfectly normal to “draw a blank” as to what was on your to-do list or, for that matter, to forget where you put your to-do list! 

If stress is taking a toll on your memory, it may be time to give your concentration and memory skills a boost.  This will also help relieve your “brain overload” during times of chaos and anxiety.  It comes down to your ability to “rein it in” and regain control when your concentration begins to wane.

Below are some methods you can use to improve your mind’s capability to “stay on its toes” and perform well even during times of stress and anxiety. 

Exercise
The first option is to keep moving with daily exercise.  Sounds simple and “typical”, but your body’s movement and exertion during exercise helps your brain generate new cells that will assist in improving your memory.

Try taking a walk during lunch on a pretty day.  Or, try something like yogato unwind in the evenings.  Your exercise routine doesn’t have to be like something off “The Biggest Loser”.  Just get moving somehow and it’ll pay off.

Get a Social Life
It’s very important that you socialize with your friends and peers.  People who are prone to stress often isolate themselves, working alone over-burdened by their daily tasks, then drag themselves home and sit on the couch watching television as a sort of escape from the stress of the day.  Socialization, such as grabbing lunch with a friend or attending a dinner party, will help shake the “stress mode” your brain may be stuck in because you are experiencing to a new environment and using your different senses to process new surroundings and people. 

Read or Listen to a Good Book
If you have a long commute to work, try listening to a narrated audio book on CD during your drive.  Again, this will help divert and relax your mind before your work day, or even for relaxation purposes at home. 

Mix it Up a Bit!
One rather unique method to stave off memory loss from stress is to change your daily routine.  Use the opposite hand to talk on the phone or stir a pot.  You’ll have to focus and concentrate more to use your non-dominant hand, which will help sharpen your memory functions. 

Change up your other routines, such as changing up your route home from work or trying a new restaurant with the family one night for dinner.  If you normally buy your lunch at the office cafeteria, brown-bag it instead and sit outside in the sunshine to enhance your senses and give your memory powers a big boost.

Take a Break and Sudoku!
Try to take a short break twice a day and work on a Sudoku or crossword puzzle.  I personally enjoy Sudoku because it really requires using concentration and memory skills to complete each puzzle.  There are free puzzles on-line as well as Sudoku books or electronic games. Even the easy level puzzles can be quite a brain teaser.

Don’t let the effects of stress deteriorate your memory—you don’t have to give in to it.  Be committed to give your mind a workout, as well as your body and you’ll have a healthy memory that won’t abandon you during times of stress and anxiety.

These simple steps to combat the effects of stress on your memory may be all you need to get back on track and enjoy your life. But if stress has taken over your life and you need a more intensive and focused program. 

Recommendation:

1. Lithium Orotate is an all natural supplement (unlike prescription synthetic lithium prescribed by doctors) that has proven very effective for taking the edge off of chronic stress and anxiety. I have personally used it for the past couple of years and find it very helpful in lifting the stress and lightening my mood. It does not cause any drowsiness or foggy thinking at all–in fact it seems to sharpen my mind and give clarity of thought. Highly recommended!
2. Conquering Stress is an incredibly helpful guide to managing stress, anxiety and depression naturally without making major “life changes” or taking prescription antidepressants. It’s very well thought out and has helped a lot of people gain control of chronic stress in their lives.

   Take the time to educate yourself and make a serious plan to take control of your mental, emotional and physical health by kicking stress, anxiety and depression out of your life quickly and permanently! Click Here!

Warning: If you are currently on prescription anti-depressants, you must work with your doctor to safely discontinue use, if desired. Do not abruptly discontinue use of such medications as this could cause severe withdrawal effects.