Changes are a driving force in life. They present new challenges and push us to grow and develop. However, adapting to change requires certain abilities of our brain. When we possess these skills, adaptation is smooth and fast. When we lack them, or they take time to develop, our body responds negatively. What happens in these moments, and which areas of life are affected? Let’s take a closer look inside the brain.
Adaptation Skills
Have you ever heard of neuroplasticity? It’s the brain’s natural ability to learn and adapt to new conditions. When we encounter new situations or information, brain cells create new connections and adapt existing ones. However, there are times when we cannot immediately adjust to unexpected changes. Facing such situations can trigger fear, stress, and anxiety.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, the stress response begins in the brain. The brain perceives change as a potential threat. Signals of danger from the eyes or ears reach the amygdala, the brain’s emotional processing center, which interprets these images and sounds. If deemed threatening, it sends an emergency signal to the hypothalamus. The brain then releases adrenaline into the bloodstream, and if the perceived danger persists, it releases cortisol, the stress hormone, keeping the body in a heightened state of alert. Cortisol functions as an internal alarm system, regulating mood, motivation, and fear. Chronic cortisol release reduces the formation of new neural connections, diminishing the brain’s ability to adapt to new situations.
Concentration, Learning, and Memory
Long-term inability to cope with new situations also impairs problem-solving and decision-making abilities. It negatively affects learning and memory centers in the brain, making it difficult to focus, reducing creativity, and hindering the processing and retention of new information. Anxiety damages both short-term and long-term memory—a phenomenon experts refer to as “brain fog.”
Sleep changes and their associated negative psychological states disrupt sleep patterns, affecting both physical and brain health. A typical sleep cycle involves three NREM phases every 90–120 minutes. During these cycles, various chemical processes in the brain coordinate rest and regeneration.
According to the Sleep Foundation, when the brain lacks recovery time, neurons become overworked and less efficient. Poor sleep can cause short-term cognitive issues, and chronic sleep problems may have long-lasting effects on daily tasks. Over time, insufficient sleep increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Anxiety and sleep are also closely linked: anxiety makes falling asleep harder, while lack of sleep exacerbates anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. In some cases, breaking this cycle requires guidance from a coach, psychotherapist, or sleep specialist.
Emotions and Mental Health
Under normal conditions, the brain regulates emotions effectively. Under stress, however, emotional responses intensify, and controlling feelings becomes more difficult. Research from Stanford University School of Medicine confirms this.
Severe mental effects can include irritability, aggression, loss of control, sadness, crying, insomnia, fatigue, exhaustion, and problems with concentration and memory. Persistent negative mental states can lead to serious conditions, such as depression or burnout. Under high stress, the brain may adopt maladaptive coping mechanisms, including alcohol, nicotine, medications, energy drinks, excessive supplements, and other harmful habits.
What Do We Need?
To better handle life changes and adapt quickly, it is important to focus on developing certain abilities. These include effective learning skills, memory techniques to simplify information retention, understanding how the brain works, and exploring aspects of emotional intelligence such as motivation and habit formation. Strengthening these areas supports your body, mental health, and—most importantly—the health of your brain.
