What Happens To The Nervous System Under Stress?

The nervous system is the messenger between the brain and the other parts of the body. It is a labyrinth of connections that ensure that every signal transmitted by the brain triggers the necessary response in the body. Needless to say, it is an indispensable part of the body mechanism yet one of the most neglected ones. The nervous system remains active even when the rest of the body is in the resting state. It is also the main center for triggering the fight or flight response and the involuntary responses that keep us safe from potentially harmful stimuli.

When the nervous system is neglected i.e. by lack of proper sleep, stress and other factors, the repercussions are slowly but surely felt. The severity might vary from mood swings, poor hand eye co-ordination, fatigue to even depression and Alzheimer’s disease. The nervous system can also be affected adversely by improper food and sleeping patterns, lack of exercise, excessive exposure to stimulants such as coffee, certain medication and neglecting the need for relaxing activity. When the nervous system is not in ship shape, it can lead to the impairment of daily life and significantly increase the risk of occurrence of other medical conditions.

On the other hand, when the nervous system is performing to its full potential it fortifies the immune system, the ability to focus and multitask increases, the capacity to perform complicated tasks is enhanced and the risk of depression is significantly lowered. It also contributes towards a positive frame of mind and improving resistance towards stress. As the nervous system affects the body, the vice versa also holds true. Proper nutrition, rest and regular exercise release beneficial hormones such as endorphins into the system and help balance the several regulatory mechanisms of the body. A healthy body is truly run by a healthy nervous system.