Numerous studies show that intense and chronic stress has a negative impact on our brain and our entire psychophysical balance, compromising our ability to enjoy life and cope with the small and large problems of everyday life. Stress isn't always a bad thing. Indeed, it is this mechanism innate in us of massive and rapid mobilization of resources that allows us to resist those environmental stresses or internal demands that we perceive as imbalance and successfully solve them for ourselves, our well-being and everything that is dear to us (work, affections, relationships , personal goals, etc.). So when does stress become harmful? When requests are excessively burdensome, complex or take too long, thereby exceeding individual compensation capabilities. Chronic stress is very harmful. Underestimating the impact of stress on our lives in these cases leads to serious consequences for psychophysical health, giving rise to a range of symptoms that impair our quality of life and make it even more difficult to carry out various tasks and problems of daily life, starting a vicious circle. Stress can even cause negative brain and neurophysiological changes. Numerous scientific studies show that chronic stress can affect the size of the brain, its structure and the way it works, down to the level of our genes. What alarm bells should not be underestimated? Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep, waking up early, restless sleep), upset stomach or diarrhea, palpitations, sometimes poor, sometimes excessive appetite, tension headaches, forgetting little things, feeling tired and weak, restlessness, inability to concentrate, increased use of cigarettes, tranquilizers or stimulants, feeling overwhelmed or isolated, decreased sex drive, tremors or nervous tics, to name a few. When we realize that some of these signals become dominant and constant in our lives and interfere with our ability to cope with daily life and enjoy life, it is important that we listen to them and do not ignore them. These are “friendly signals” that warn us that we are neglecting ourselves and that we need to run for cover. Stress begins with what is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a series of interactions between endocrine glands in the brain and kidneys that control our body's response to stress. When the brain senses a stressful situation, it releases a hormone called cortisol, which causes an immediate reaction in the body. High levels of cortisol over a long period of time can damage the brain. For example, chronic stress increases the level of activity and the number of neural connections in the amygdala, the center responsible for the fear and anxiety response in the brain. Additionally, when cortisol levels rise, brain activity in the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with learning, memory and stress management, is suppressed, and synaptic connections are reduced. But that is not all. Cortisol can literally cause the brain to shrink, especially the loss of synaptic connections between neurons and shrinkage of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that regulates behaviors such as concentration, decision making, judgment and behavior, and social interaction. Increased cortisol levels also lead to decreased production of new brain cells in the hippocampus. This means that chronic stress can make it difficult to learn new concepts and remember information, and make a person more vulnerable to developing mental health conditions such as depression and possibly Alzheimer's disease. This means that the damage caused by stress should not be underestimated. But there is also great news! There are many ways to reverse the changes caused by cortisol in a stressed brain. What are they? Healthy eating, physical activity, especially in contact with.