Chronic stress isn’t just an emotional burden—it can physically damage the brain, warns NYU neuroscientist Dr Wendy Suzuki . She revealed that prolonged cortisol exposure harms the hippocampus, vital for memory, and the prefrontal cortex, crucial for decision-making. (Image: iStock)
In a world where stress and anxiety are constant companions, we often push them aside in hopes of keeping life moving. But new insights from Dr Wendy Suzuki, a renowned neuroscientist at New York University, reveal that ignoring stress for too long could be far more dangerous than we realize. According to her conversation on the Jay Shetty Podcast, the toll of chronic stress is not just emotional—it physically damages critical areas of the brain.
“These are two areas you want to protect,” Dr Suzuki warned, adding that consistent high levels of cortisol can eventually kill brain cells and impair cognitive abilities.
Dr Suzuki urged listeners to create mindful gaps between waking up and engaging with technology. “If we allow the brain some time to catch up naturally rather than rushing into notifications and information overload, we can significantly improve our resilience to stress.”
Dr Wendy Suzuki’s insights are a chilling reminder that stress is more than a passing inconvenience—it’s a silent force eroding our brain’s foundations. In an era dominated by information overload and digital distractions, learning to manage anxiety and stress isn’t just self-care—it’s a vital investment in our long-term mental health. Experts urge us to rethink our routines, prioritize human connection, and create space for our minds to reset before diving into the chaos of daily life.
Stress Hormones Can Destroy Brain Cells
Dr Suzuki explained that stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and damages brain cells over time. “There are key brain areas you want to keep healthy throughout your life,” she said, highlighting two particularly vulnerable regions—the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. The hippocampus, essential for memory and learning, is one of the first areas affected in Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and attention, also suffers under prolonged stress.“These are two areas you want to protect,” Dr Suzuki warned, adding that consistent high levels of cortisol can eventually kill brain cells and impair cognitive abilities.
Everyday Habits Are Amplifying Stress
The neuroscientist further shed light on how seemingly harmless daily activities worsen brain health. “It’s that everyday stress, the anxiety provoked by scary news or social media,” she remarked, particularly pointing to the younger generation who are more vulnerable to these digital distractions. “It’s hard to put the phone or the newspaper down, but that could be a game-changer.”Dr Suzuki urged listeners to create mindful gaps between waking up and engaging with technology. “If we allow the brain some time to catch up naturally rather than rushing into notifications and information overload, we can significantly improve our resilience to stress.”
Conversations and Real Connections Are Essential
For combating stress, Dr Suzuki recommended turning to real human interaction. “Have a conversation with a real person—that is such a joy and privilege in our lives,” she said. Simple shifts, like delaying the first touch of your phone, could rewire the brain and set the tone for a less anxious day.A Wake-Up Call for Modern Living
Dr Suzuki’s expertise in brain health and memory stems from decades of research. As the Dean of NYU’s College of Arts & Science and a professor at the Center for Neural Science, she has pioneered studies on neuroplasticity; how the brain can adapt throughout life. Her work has earned recognition from the Society for Neuroscience and continues to influence how we understand stress, memory, and brain function.Dr Wendy Suzuki’s insights are a chilling reminder that stress is more than a passing inconvenience—it’s a silent force eroding our brain’s foundations. In an era dominated by information overload and digital distractions, learning to manage anxiety and stress isn’t just self-care—it’s a vital investment in our long-term mental health. Experts urge us to rethink our routines, prioritize human connection, and create space for our minds to reset before diving into the chaos of daily life.