By Cpt. Olisa Umeka, LMSW, Social Work Intern CRDAMC Editor’s note: The Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center has begun a Behavioral Health Initiative to inform the community with information and resources that will help with everyday struggles like stress management, nutrition and physical health, emotional intelligence, and healthy habits. This article focuses on maintaining healthy stress levels and aims to help readers recognize when stress may be affecting their well-being. FORT HOOD, Texas – Have you had days, maybe even weeks, when it seems like one thing after another happens to create a sense that everything is going wrong? You aren’t alone. We all have stress in our lives, and we must deal with it. The key is to manage it appropriately. Stress cannot be eliminated entirely, as it is the body’s natural response to pressure or perceived threats. The brain manages stress through three key regions: the amygdala (emotional center), the prefrontal cortex (decision-making), and the hippocampus (memory storage). When stress is triggered, the amygdala becomes hyperactive, the prefrontal cortex weakens, and the hippocampus may shrink—disrupting emotions, focus, and memory. Prolonged stress elevates cortisol, a hormone that helps provide energy and increase alertness during stressful situations. But too much cortisol, often called the “flight or fight” hormone, can impair mood, learning ability, and concentration. Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, poor sleep, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease can also develop. Managing stress effectively supports both mental and physical well-being. Ten Ways to Reduce Stress:
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2025 12:14 |
| Story ID: | 543057 |
| Location: | FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 84 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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