Our ancestors experienced stress in bursts—hunt or be hunted, fight or flee. But today, we face low-level stress from emails, deadlines, and social pressure around the clock. Chronic stress floods the brain with cortisol, a hormone that, in excess, damages memory centers like the hippocampus.

To calm the nervous system:

Practice deep breathing, meditation, or mindful movement like yoga.

Spend time in nature—even 20 minutes a day can reset the mind.

Build real social connections—our brains are wired for tribe, not isolation.

Take intentional breaks—step outside, stretch, and allow moments of stillness.