How Stress Changes Your Brain and Body
01/27/25 • 34 min
In this episode, Lauren dives into how prolonged stress impacts the brain and body. She explains how chronic or traumatic stress rewires key areas of the brain—such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus—shifting us into survival mode and making it harder to thrive. The effects extend to the body, as ongoing stress floods our system with stress hormones, disrupting vital systems like the cardiovascular, immune, musculoskeletal, and hormonal networks. She also shares actionable strategies to reset your nervous system and reduce stress.
If you haven't already, check out Five Ives to see how strategies like this can be applied to adults, especially in the workplace. Five Ives works with staff in high burnout jobs to help them incorporate regulation strategies into their daily routines.
Try at Home Tip: Download a breathwork, mindfulness, or meditation app
Other related resources from The Behavior Hub:
References:
Blog Post:
- Polyvagal Theory
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Fight or Flight: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
- Rest & Digest: Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
Podcast:
- The Link Between Technology and Nervous System Dysregulation
- Find Your Way Back to the Window of Tolerance
- Micro Changes Macro Results
- I Can't Stop Talking about the Nervous System
- 5 Ives episode
- Window of Tolerance
- Manage Your Stress or it will Manage You
Our Online Courses:
- Classroom Design with the Brain in Mind
- From Conflict to Calm: How to communicate with kids so they listen the FIRST time!
- 4 Simple Steps to Problem Solving
Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!
- Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.
- Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.
- Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children
- The Behavior Hub website
- The Behavior Hub blog
Are you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help!
Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In this episode, Lauren dives into how prolonged stress impacts the brain and body. She explains how chronic or traumatic stress rewires key areas of the brain—such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus—shifting us into survival mode and making it harder to thrive. The effects extend to the body, as ongoing stress floods our system with stress hormones, disrupting vital systems like the cardiovascular, immune, musculoskeletal, and hormonal networks. She also shares actionable strategies to reset your nervous system and reduce stress.
If you haven't already, check out Five Ives to see how strategies like this can be applied to adults, especially in the workplace. Five Ives works with staff in high burnout jobs to help them incorporate regulation strategies into their daily routines.
Try at Home Tip: Download a breathwork, mindfulness, or meditation app
Other related resources from The Behavior Hub:
References:
Blog Post:
- Polyvagal Theory
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Fight or Flight: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
- Rest & Digest: Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
Podcast:
- The Link Between Technology and Nervous System Dysregulation
- Find Your Way Back to the Window of Tolerance
- Micro Changes Macro Results
- I Can't Stop Talking about the Nervous System
- 5 Ives episode
- Window of Tolerance
- Manage Your Stress or it will Manage You
Our Online Courses:
- Classroom Design with the Brain in Mind
- From Conflict to Calm: How to communicate with kids so they listen the FIRST time!
- 4 Simple Steps to Problem Solving
Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!
- Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.
- Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.
- Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children
- The Behavior Hub website
- The Behavior Hub blog
Are you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help!
Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Previous Episode
The Link Between Technology and Nervous System Dysregulation
In this episode, Lauren dives into the profound impact of our hyper-connection to technology on our nervous system and explores how we can reclaim regulation through a digital detox. Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and exposure to screens can fragment focus, disrupt sleep, and increase stress hormones, all of which negatively impact mental health. Lauren highlights that recognizing signs like trouble concentrating, increased anxiety, sleep issues, and a sense of disconnection are key indicators that it’s time to reevaluate our digital habits.
If you haven't already, check out Five Ives to see how strategies like this can be applied to adults, especially in the workplace. Five Ives works with staff in high burnout jobs to help them incorporate regulation strategies into their daily routines.
Try at Home Tip: Create a micro morning routine.
Other related resources from The Behavior Hub:
Blog Post:
- Polyvagal Theory
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Fight or Flight: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
- Rest & Digest: Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Kids
Podcast:
- Find Your Way Back to the Window of Tolerance
- Micro Changes Macro Results
- Sounds That Heal
- I Can't Stop Talking about the Nervous System
- Fight or Flight
- 5 Ives episode
- Window of Tolerance
- Understanding Behavior and Regulating It
Our Online Courses:
- Classroom Design with the Brain in Mind
- From Conflict to Calm: How to communicate with kids so they listen the FIRST time!
- 4 Simple Steps to Problem Solving
Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!
- Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.
- Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.
- Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children
- The Behavior Hub website
- The Behavior Hub blog
Are you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help!
Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Next Episode
Vagus Nerve: The Key to Calm
Today we’re diving into one of the most fascinating parts of your nervous system: the vagus nerve. Often called the body’s "superhighway of calm," the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating your stress response and overall well-being. From chaos to calm - here we go!
If you haven't already, check out Five Ives to see how strategies like this can be applied to adults, especially in the workplace. Five Ives works with staff in high burnout jobs to help them incorporate regulation strategies into their daily routines.
Try at Home Tip: Try one of these vagal nerve toning tips this week!
Other related resources from The Behavior Hub:
Blog Post:
- Polyvagal Theory
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Fight or Flight: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
- Rest & Digest: Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
Podcast:
- The Link Between Technology and Nervous System Dysregulation
- Find Your Way Back to the Window of Tolerance
- Micro Changes Macro Results
- I Can't Stop Talking about the Nervous System
- 5 Ives episode
- Window of Tolerance
- Manage Your Stress or it will Manage You
Our Online Courses:
- Classroom Design with the Brain in Mind
- From Conflict to Calm: How to communicate with kids so they listen the FIRST time!
- 4 Simple Steps to Problem Solving
Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!
- Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.
- Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.
- Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children
- The Behavior Hub website
- The Behavior Hub blog
Are you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help!
Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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