Research shows that low to moderate levels of stress improve working memory, but too much stress can be toxic. This conclusion was made by scientists from the University of Georgia in the USA.
Stress is usually associated with serious emotional problems, as well as poor mental health. But a new study by American scientists has shown that a small amount of stress in life is good for brain function. Its authors scanned the brains of a number of people and found that under mild to moderate stress, they strengthened their working memory under certain circumstances. Working memory is our internal notebook where we enter fresh thoughts and temporarily store the most relevant information.
Severe stress causes memory lapses
Researchers have found that a person has a sweet spot where stress is beneficial as it improves working memory. But if stress levels rise, it can have a toxic effect on the area, disrupting important functions.
Little stress is good for the brain
This study provides new evidence for the ability of stress to induce neurocognitive benefits. It involved more than 1,000 young people aged 22 to 37 who were put through a test of working memory. (READ MORE)
University of Georgia
Health
an American public university located in the state of Georgia , a university in the Georgia State University System