Can’t Stay Calm? What Stress Does to Your Ability to Think Clearly
You decided to do something today.
Perhaps you chose to put on your slippers before you headed for that first cup of coffee. Maybe you selected the holiday mug from those in the cupboard. You might’ve even changed your mind and grabbed the extra-large mug instead.
All of those decisions are the result of executive functioning. In short, You have the ability to make clear decisions and regulate your emotions.
But let’s say you went to the cupboard and just stood there and forgot what you were doing. Or maybe deciding on a mug suddenly seemed overwhelming.
Why do you suddenly feel anxious and upset? What’s happening that your brain feels increasingly “foggy” and you just can’t seem to get clear and motivated?
You guessed it, your executive functioning skills are compromised. Your brain is cluing you into the impact of the stress you’re under.
How so? Let’s examine the particulars of stress and executive functioning. Let’s start with the way things operate when high levels of stress are not at play:
How a Calm Brain Works: Executive Functioning
Via executive functioning, your brain has the ability to instantly and concurrently manage information with little outside help or direction. Filtering out distractions, prioritizing tasks and, and fulfilling goals is possible. You are easily able to accomplish the following actions:
plan ahead
focus your attention
retain and recall instructions
coordinate multiple tasks
Additionally, the following interconnected brain functions are supported as you move from one activity to another:
Working memory directs your short-term capacity for recall and manipulation of specific information.
Cognitive flexibility allows you to focus or shift attention in response to varying situations. This ensures a proper response to uncertain and unpredictable conditions.
Self-control allows for the immediate ability to regulate certain actions or reactions.
All told, executive function governs your ability to satisfactorily work with other people. You make sound choices and meet your responsibilities. Working optimally, these brain functions cooperate, enhancing your ability to live in happier and more fulfilling ways.
How a Stressed Brain Falters: Hindered Executive Functioning
When stress is persistent and oppressive, a wide variety of memory, attention, and behavioral difficulties arise. Stress inhibits your brain’s ability to productively process information. This generally indicates that your executive function skills are impaired.
It’s important to pay attention to key areas of stress that can create problems:
insecure attachments or relationship strain
unsafe, shifting, or uncomfortable circumstances
toxic stress (these include negligent, abusive, or destructive situations)
In particular, COvid-19, and all of its ensuing restrictions, have served to affect the clarity and peace of mind for so many. If you too are anxious and “foggy” you are definitely not alone.
What matters now is to remember that solid executive functioning is a specific skill set. Thus, you can boost and improve those skills by reducing anxiety. Several factors support a calm brain and stress reduction so that you can get clear again. Consider the following suggestions:
establish daily routines
move your body every day
socialize (safely, but regularly)
maintain supportive, reciprocal relationships
choose creative, novel, and engaging activities to challenge your mind
Most of all, it is important to give yourself a break. Fretting over the brain fog only exacerbates the stress. Accept what is and try to release perfectionism. Focus on self-care and your emotional connections. This best supports a mental rebound.
How Therapy Can Help Clear the Mental Cobwebs
If you feel that your stress is chronic and debilitating, some helpful guidance and redirection may be beneficial. There is no shame in seeking support. Working with a therapist to safely practice stress reduction, self-care measures, and emotional release can restore calm quickly.
When you’re ready, I am here to support you, encourage you to let go, and help you live well. You can read more about stress and anxiety treatment here, and reach out for a consultation soon.