Author: Sanjana Ravishankar

  • How stress affects the HPA axis?

    BySanjana Ravishankar

    That racing heart or stomach discomfort when you’re nervous is your HPA axis at work—your brain and body’s built-in stress alarm. It releases cortisol to help you cope, then settles once the stress passes. But when stress becomes constant, this system stays overactive, leading to exhaustion, anxiety, sleep and digestive issues, and brain fog. The HPA axis can be reset through consistent habits like good sleep, movement, nourishment, social support, mindfulness, and therapy. If worry, fatigue, or physical symptoms persist, it may be time to reach out—stress starts in the mind but affects the whole body, and healing needs awareness and care.

  • Neuroplasticity and PTSD: Brain Rewiring in the traumatized brain

    BySanjana Ravishankar

    Breaking a habit is difficult because the brain naturally clings to familiar patterns, yet its neuroplasticity allows it to change through new experiences. Trauma can interrupt this process—PTSD can overactivate the amygdala, weaken the hippocampus, and reduce the prefrontal cortex’s control over fear, keeping the body stuck in survival mode. The good news is that treatments like CBT, EMDR, and Exposure Therapy can help rebuild healthier neural pathways and restore balance. With steady practice, supportive connections, and healthy routines, the brain can gradually recover. If trauma-related symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, seeking professional help is a strong and important step toward recovery.