Fun stuff that’s good for your brain #4: Vacation from stress

For many of us, stress is an unavoidable part of life. In short bouts (minutes, hours), stress can actually make people more effective – consider how much faster you can complete a task if the deadline is looming – and does not have a significant health impact.

Unfortunately, prolonged stress (days, weeks) can be destructive to the body and nervous system, weakening the immune system and impairing learning and memory. Hormones released when we experience stress are destructive to neurons if these hormones are elevated for an extended period of time.

Reducing stress will make you happier, healthier, and probably more fun to be around. Take time off from work more often. Go to the beach or go bowling. Keep issues in perspective and complete those nagging tasks before they accumulate. Other healthy activities I’ve already written about also contribute to stress management, such as sleep and exercise.