NAME: CHRISTIAN I.

NAVARRA STRAND: STEM-12

SUBJECT: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

WEEK 6 – RESEARCH – ARG

Foreign Study

Psychological stress can affect cognitive function in the short-term as well as

over the long-term. Over the long-term, chronic life stress has been consistently

associated with poorer cognitive function, accelerated cognitive decline, and

increased incidence of dementia. One explanation for these long-term effects is

that individuals who experience chronic stress are at increased risk for biological

‘wear and tear’, that results in both dysregulated endocrine function and pro-

inflammatory effects which can impair the neural structure and function underlying

cognitive performance.

Local Study

Physical Effects of Stress Nearly 40% of all adults owe their adverse health

hazards to high levels of stress. Stress leads to high blood pressure levels that

damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Cognitive

Effects of Stress implicates damage to the brain and gives way to a myriad of
mental ailments such as anxiety, irritability for no apparent reason, an increase in

extreme bipolar behavior, and cases of excessive paranoia, oversensitivity, and

panic attacks if things get worse. Survey findings also point to the risk of anxiety

and depression in people who sleep for less than 8 hours a night. Emotional Effects

of Stress Untreated and chronic stress reactions constitute more than 50% of the

emotional disorders a person experiences for a prolonged term. It contributes to

decreased levels of self-esteem, confidence, lack of motivation and focus.

Question: Answer Only.

1.
Psychological stress can affect cognitive function within the short-term (e.g.,
as when an individual’s thoughts are occupied with an argument that happened
earlier within the day leading to reduced ability to listen to, keep track of, or
remember steps within the task at hand) in addition as over the long-term (e.g., as
when those that experience chronic stress show accelerated cognitive decline
compared to their less-stressed peers of the identical age).

2.
Thinking positively is a skill that can be learned. Even though the procedure
is straightforward, developing a new habit requires patience and practice. Here are
some suggestions about how to think and act more optimistically and positively:

Determine what needs to change. If you want to think more positively and be
more optimistic, start by identifying the things in your life that you currently think
badly about, such as your job, your commute, your future plans, or a particular
relationship. By concentrating on one subject, you can begin small and tackle it in
a more constructive manner. Instead of thinking negatively to reduce your stress,
try to think positively.
Examine yourself. Stop periodically throughout the day to assess your thoughts.
Try to find a way to reframe your ideas if you notice that they are primarily
negative.
Be amusing yourself. Give yourself permission to laugh or grin, especially when
things are tough. Find humor in commonplace events. You feel less stressed when
you can laugh at life.
Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are
positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback.
Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to
manage stress in healthy ways.
Practice positive self-talk by following a few simple rules. Encourage yourself
gently. Whenever a negative thought crosses your mind, evaluate it rationally and
give back positively for what you're doing well. Think about what you are grateful
for in life.

3.
Follow a healthy lifestyle. Aim for about 30 minutes of exercise most days
of the week. You can also break it down into 5- or 10-minute chunks throughout
the day. Sport has a positive effect on mood and reduces stress. Eat a healthy diet
to keep your mind and body strong. Get enough sleep and learn stress management
techniques.
REFERENCES:

Scott, Stacey B., et al. “The Effects of Stress on Cognitive Aging, Physiology and
Emotion (Escape) Project - BMC Psychiatry.” BioMed Central, BioMed Central, 3
July 2015, https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-015-
0497-7.
FilDocsOrg. “Filipino Doctors.” Filipino Doctors, 24 Feb. 2018,
http://filipinodoctors.org/how-stress-affects-your-body/.