How cortisol and adrenaline can work for you
Stress gets a bad rap, but in the right amounts, it can actually help you perform better. When you face a challenge, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, two hormones that prepare you for action and boost cognitive function and focus.
Cortisol helps regulate energy, mood, and cognitive function. In short bursts, it can enhance memory retention, focus, and the ability to think clearly under pressure.
Adrenaline helps improve reaction times, focus, and physical stamina. It’s why you can sometimes accomplish tasks faster when you’re under pressure.
Stress can be good when it occurs in short bursts and is quickly resolved. When stress becomes chronic, research shows that the short-term benefits of cortisol and adrenaline dissipate. Sustained high cortisol levels can impair cognitive function, memory, and decision-making.
It’s all about balance: strive for enough stress to activate your neurochemistry and enhance performance, but not so much that it overwhelms your body. Recovery is also essential. You can dampen your body’s stress response by engaging in parasympathetic activities such as deep breathing, stretching, or going for a walk in nature.
The science of stress is great in theory, but don’t be alarmed if your stress response isn’t ‘textbook’! According to the Adaptive Collaboration Model of Stress, our stress response isn’t one-size-fits-all. It adapts based on your past experiences, meaning some people thrive under pressure, while others may feel overwhelmed. It depends how you’ve responded to stress in the past, so take this into consideration when engaging in stressful situations and planning recovery.
Effects of chronic stress on cognitive function – From neurobiology to intervention