I have been working on a topic around 'wounding' lately in various contexts and what has been most enlightening is learning about the nature (and science) of stress.
The wellness community often presents stress as the enemy-and it is, in some ways. But a) stress comes in degrees and b) it is also a natural reaction of the brain to perceived threat. It is there for a reason.
In small doses, stress can actually help learning. It sharpens focus, boosts motivation, and can even improve short-term memory, all useful when you need to perform during exams or meet tight deadlines.
The problem is that most people do not experience stress in moderation. Deadlines can be too tight. And the pressure at exam time can be too overwhelming.
Consider the science
When it comes to managing stress, nothing will work for you as well as understanding the nature of it and how it works in the brain. When stress becomes overwhelming, the brain shifts into survival mode. It triggers a fight-or-flight response driven by the amygdala and this means your brain chemistry changes. A number of stress hormones are released including cortisol and adrenaline and others.
In this context, you will not be able to learn. Working harder or for longer will not help. It will make it worse. It would be like drinking coffee to calm anxiety. You cannot force improved learning in a context where learning is impeded anymore than you can calm a frightened bird by shouting at it.
What works better is change. Know that stress begets stress. So first, you need to de-stress.
1. Stop If stress is overwhelming, continuing is not productive. Pause. Make this your first priority.
2. Observe Notice what is happening in your body: heart rate, muscle tension, shallow breathing, anxiety waves, headaches. Awareness helps break the cycle.
3. Reset your environment Move somewhere different. A quieter room, a park, anywhere that reduces stimulation. Give yourself 20–30 minutes. Nature is especially powerful.
Once your body settles, your thinking will change. You will move from panicked thinking to being able to think clearly again. Your capacity to reason will improve. You will see more clearly. Calm the mind. Then process your task.
Now you can ask:
- What exactly is causing the stress?
- Is it time pressure?
- Lack of clarity?
- One specific task?
Break it down. Solve one piece at a time.
Stress is not just caused by the task itself. It is driven by how we interpret it. When something feels overwhelming, the goal is not to push harder, but to create the conditions where clear thinking is possible again.
Understanding the science of stress is the key to unlocking its powers.
Work with it.