Introduction
It is important to note that prolonged stress can be detrimental to human health, body, and wellbeing, which can manifest itself in both physical and emotional responses. A study suggests that prolonged stress can lead to changes in the amygdala, memory deficits, and anxiety-like behaviors (Ji et al., 2019). In addition, physical responses included worsened sleep quality and occupational performance (Magnavita et al., 2021). In other words, a person affected by prolonged stress is more likely to develop a shorter memory span, anxious behaviors, secretory changes in the amygdala, poor sleep, and reduced effectiveness at work.
Main body
One should be aware that these physical responses are also accompanied by emotional or mental changes, which impair a person’s ability to function. For example, since the amygdala is responsible for emotional responses, any deregulatory physical change can result in compassion fatigue (Ji et al., 2019). Therefore, the core pillar of organizational justice and adherence to essential protocols are subsequently worsened. Insomnia is tightly tied to poor memory since it is important for the body to rest and have adequate sleep, without which many cognitive functions become significantly deprived. Another social element of prolonged stress leads to loneliness since a person might not have the willingness and energy to socialize with others, thus, creating a vicious cycle of continuous isolation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prolonged stress causes poor work performance, amygdala changes, anxious behaviors, memory loss, and insomnia. Meditation and stress reduction can help in counteracting these physical responses. Managers should be aware of the effect of burnout in order to find the balance of workload since prolonged stress will drastically lead to reduced performance and even patient safety concerns in regard to healthcare.
References
Ji, L.-L., Ye, Y., Nie, P.-Y., Peng, J.-B., Fu, C.-H., Wang, Z.-Y., & Tong, L. (2019). Dysregulation of miR-142 results in anxiety-like behaviors following single prolonged stress. Behavioral Brain Research, 365, 157–163. Web.
Magnavita, N., Soave, P. M., & Antonelli, M. (2021). Prolonged stress causes depression in frontline workers facing the COVID-19 pandemic—A repeated cross-sectional study in a COVID-19 hub-hospital in central Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), 7316-7329. Web.