The secret to coping with stress - how to protect your brain and body, and feel calmer now | Prof Carmine Pariante

Stress functions as a biological mismatch between perceived environmental challenges and an individual’s capacity to cope. While acute stress once served as a vital survival mechanism, modern chronic stress keeps the sympathetic nervous system and cortisol levels perpetually elevated, triggering systemic inflammation that increases risks for heart disease, metabolic dysfunction, and depression. This persistent state disrupts the brain's reward systems, often leading to fatigue and an inability to experience pleasure. Professor Carmina Parrianti emphasizes that managing this response requires moving beyond passive numbing behaviors—such as excessive alcohol use or digital distraction—toward active strategies. These include fostering social connections, maintaining regular physical activity, and cultivating a mindset of acceptance regarding life’s inherent difficulties. By shifting focus from avoiding stress to building personal agency, individuals can effectively mitigate the long-term physical and emotional costs of modern life.