Tag: memory

In this installment of our series on stress, we are going to look at how stress affects memory, and a natural approach to supporting memory.

Memory processing allows us to acquire, retain, and recall information and/or experiences. We have short-term memory and long-term memory. Information goes first into our short-term memory (also called working memory) and it then gets processed and stored in our long-term memory.

There are three stages of memory processing:

– Encoding – like listening to music
– Consolidation – like recording songs (or burning a CD)
– Retrieval – like playing back the songs

When you are stressed by something, the stressor takes a lot of resources from your brain and interferes with your capacity to encode new information.

What are the Effects of Stress on Memory?

Healthy brain function requires many important nutrients as well as an active, social lifestyle. Factors such as aging, emotional stress, and exposure to free radicals affect cognitive health and memory function.

Increase in Cortisol

During stress, adrenal glands pump out cortisol. Although a certain amount of cortisol is normal, too much cortisol due to too much stress can prevent the formation of new memories or the retrieval of old ones. Cortisol also interferes with your brain’s neurotransmitters, preventing communication between brain cells.  Continue reading “Stress Series: How Stress Affects Memory & Taking a Natural Approach”