Stress! We are all feeling it, especially during the current uncertain times of a global pandemic. But even during our regular lives and routines, we have stress everywhere…school, meetings, practices, game schedules, driving, volunteering, oh – and grocery shopping! When adults stress out, we look the part: growly-faced, short-tempered, and tense. Kids feel our stress and they experience their own level of stress at school.
A study from the University of Wisconsin found that when we are under stress, our neurons are unable to hold key information that helps us think clearly, organize, prioritize or problem-solve. Stress does damage to our working memory. We essentially lose the function of our prefrontal cortex – that’s the conductor of our beautiful brain!
Under stress, our neurons become hectic, bouncing everywhere and paying attention to things that distract us. The really scary part is that stress doesn’t just suppress the activity; it MODIFIES the nature of the activity at the cellular level. When your child is asked to complete a math worksheet and (s)he has trouble remembering number facts, there is going to be a level of stress going into that activity that will alter how it is completed. It will take longer, it may look messier, and the order of sequential thinking so vital to mathematical concepts will be scattered. Additional classroom noises, smells, and activities also contribute to the stress reaction.
The very last part of this article states that “treatments that keep neurons on their self-stimulating task while shutting out distractions may help protect working memory.” Guess what? Brainjogging does just that – it keeps the neurons ON TASK and it helps tune out distractions. Keep working that Brainjogging routine and watch how your child transforms into a happier, more confident and relaxed individual – ready to take on the world!
If you would like to learn more about Brainjogging or how our team can help to support your child’s learning needs, call us today to speak with a team member!