Understanding Stress

SEASON 6 EPI 13A BIG SHOUT OUT TO ADREANA JACKSON FOR HAVING DR. DELVENA ON HER SHOW, "THE BALANCE". "The Brain Love Podcast" is replaying an episode from, "The Balance" hosted by Andreana Jackson.COPIED FROM ADREANA'S BLOG:There’s a quiet truth many of us are living with but rarely pause to examine: stress is no longer occasional—it’s constant.This conversation brings together two medical experts, Dr. Delvena Thomas, Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Lieutenant Colonel, and Dr. Heather Britton, Board-Certified Neurologist, to explore how stress is not only experienced—but processed, stored, and expressed within the brain and body.What unfolds is both scientific and deeply human.The nervous system is divided into two key parts: the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system, which includes the autonomic system responsible for regulating involuntary functions.The sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight)The parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest)When the body perceives stress, it activates the sympathetic system—releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.“Stress affects the hypothalamus and amygdala… it produces cortisol and adrenaline, leading to rapid heart rate, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure.” — Dr. Heather Britton“Prolonged stress can affect memory, concentration, and even your personality—because it impacts the prefrontal cortex.” — Dr. Heather Britton“Stress in small doses is protective. But prolonged stress tears the body down.” Dr. Delvena Thomas“We’ve been conditioned to believe constant stress is normal—but it’s one of the reasons we see higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and anxiety.” — Dr. Delvena ThomasOver time, stress can lead to:Anxiety and depressionHigh blood pressureSleep disturbancesCognitive declineThe body, quite literally, was never designed to stay in survival mode.From childhood environments to cultural norms, the way we process stress is often shaped early in life.“You often learn how to manage stress based on how you saw your family handle it.” — Dr. Heather BrittonDr. Thomas expands further, introducing the concept of vicarious trauma—how historical experiences, systemic challenges, and lived environments can contribute to elevated stress levels across generations.This adds an important layer: stress is not always individual—it can be collective.Interrupting Stress in Real TimeUnderstanding stress is one thing. Managing it is another.When asked how to regulate stress in the moment, Dr. Thomas offers a practical and immediate solution: breathing.“You have to break the cycle. Engage your parasympathetic system through breathing—that’s what calms the body.” — Dr. Delvena ThomasIt’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful tools are also the simplest.The result? A state of continuous stimulation that can disrupt focus, sleep, and emotional balance.Mindfulness—being present and intentional—becomes increasingly difficult in a world designed for distraction.Dr. Britton highlights several ways to protect cognitive function and reduce the risk of conditions like dementia:Maintain a nutrient-rich diet (Mediterranean-style)Stay physically activeEngage sociallyContinue learning new skills“You have to keep your brain active—learning new skills creates new neural connections.” — Dr. Heather BrittonStress management, once again, plays a central role—reinforcing how interconnected mental and physical health truly are.Living in BalanceAt its core, this episode reflects what The Balance has always been about: awareness.Not eliminating stress—but understanding it.Not avoiding life—but learning how to move through it with intention.Because balance isn’t something we find once.It’s something we practice—daily.Final ThoughtStress may be inevitable—but living in a constant state of it is not.And sometimes, the most powerful reset begins with something as simple as a breath.