How Stress fries our brain cells?

How Stress fries our brain cells?
Dr. Parmjit Singh

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According to Dr Robert Sapolsky of Stanford University, "Stress per se does not make us sick, but it creates a fertile ground for the germination of various diseases". The list is endless. From heart problems, depression, cancer to diabetes-- stress is considered a culprit in almost all the dreaded illnesses we face today. Depression, which stalks countless people, is also one unsavory side-effects of chronic stress. It leads to depletion of important neurotransmitters and hormones necessary for joyful living as is illustrated in the above diagram, Figure 2. Interestingly, the origin of these diseases does not lie outside us. To this date, science does not consider these diseases caused by any outside germ or bacteria and are mostly called the 'diseases of civilization' or more apt still 'diseases of our reckless lifestyle'.

In a true sense, any given stressful reaction or situation triggers a devil's pharmacy in your body with an enduring damage. In certain circumstances this response serves a healthy purpose for it ensures your survival by acting out appropriately under threatening conditions. However, it could become a double-edged sword if you forget to shut it off once the situation has blown over. As the effects of stress work in an insidious manner and without our conscious knowledge, so by the time we are kind enough to acknowledge them, the damage has already been done. It would not be too much to say that chronic stress can fry your brain, especially the cells in hippocampal area. No wonder we start losing memory as we age. It is because stress can kill cells in hippocampus which is heavily involved in memory process. In this context, growing old should not stress you much. Instead, not getting stressed out for fear of growing old might help you stay young.

FEW STRATEGIES FOR STRESS-FREE LIFESTYLE

Two types of strategies work very well in combination:

1. Mental and/or spiritual
2. Physical

Mental and/or Spiritual:

1. Ask yourself a few questions related to your life, work, relationships etc.:

a. What is the source of my stress? E.g. work, marriage, relationship etc.
b. What is the underlying conflict?
c. Am I attaching too much importance to work or money?
d. Why do I work?
e. Do I work for money or for love of the work itself?
f. How are my relationships with family or spouse?
g. Do I have sufficient social or family support?
h. Is my love for family or friends based on my personal interests or does it have some deeper meaning?
i. For each action in my life, I should ask myself why I am doing this?

Even though the above list is not an exhaustive source, however, it will help you start a self-reflection and introspection process. After you have honestly answered the above questions, you will find an underlying pattern in your life and it will give you some handle on the sore spots. As the saying goes: knowing is essential to the solution.

2. For happy and stress free life, three things are very important:

a. Harmonious job/work,
b. Good family life/marriage and
c. Selfless service.

Physical:

1. Regular moderate physical exercises
2. Yoga, Tai Chi, jogging, aerobics
3. Meditation and other awareness practice

Freedom from stress requires some deep and honest soul searching. In the long run, symptomatic treatment will not do any good. If you want to spare yourself from the deadly effects of stressful lifestyle driven by money, power, greed, prestige, it is better to engage in some self-introspection. Remember: you will be retiring to your grave early than usual if you are constantly under stress. Then what good is a Mercedes parked in your garage or a million dollars in your account? To enjoy that, you need to live longer.

We will design an individually suitable holistic stress reduction program during the instructional phase of this program. For more information, please consult Zen of Living Team.

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