The Connection Between Stress, Mood, and Cognitive Function
Although you may not realize it, stress and mood directly impact cognitive function. Staying positive and managing stress may help support focus and memory!
How Stress Impacts Our Cognitive Function
People with high stress levels often struggle with memory and concentration. Specifically, this is because stressors impact the “survival mode” or “fight/flight” part of the brain. When this mode is engaged, less energy is made available to maintain the focus we need for cognitive performance and tasks.
How Stress Affects Our Mood
Stress can impact our mood in a variety of ways. Short-term stress can affect our daily mood, while long-term stress can impact us for a longer period. Some common types of stressors are:
- Financial
- Work-related
- Social
- Socioeconomic
- Physical
No matter the cause, these challenges can make it hard to stay positive and happy!
Keep Calm and Carry On
Staying positive while reducing stress can greatly improve our ability to:
- Focus
- Retain information
- Support overall cognitive function.
Some Easy Tips to Help Support a Balanced Mood
Prioritize spending time on experiences that can uplift our mood, such as:
- Exercise
- Walking
- Reading a good book
- Watching a good movie
- Spending time with a friend
- Time on a hobby or sport
- Drawing
- Painting
- Gardening
- Any creative actions which bring calm and joy!
Make an effort each day to spend 30 – 60 minutes with the people, places, and things which bring down stress and uplift mood. It may have a tremendous impact on your ability to concentrate, stay focused, and support your cognitive abilities!
Stallop Formulas offers a great variety of supplements for stress support, mood support and cognitive support! Here are several products that you may like:
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
