In the long run, Dr Chow warned that chronic stress can affect the brain, especially when it comes to memory, emotional regulation and decision making.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver time, it also increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
\u201cEssentially, prolonged stress causes the brain to function in ways that are non-optimal, making it harder for individuals to cope with and respond to situations appropriately.\u201d<\/p>\n
She noted that several studies have shown that chronic stress can reduce the size of the part of the human brain that makes learning and forming new memories difficult.<\/p>\n
The amygdala, a part of the brain that regulates emotions, can become overactive as well, making people more prone to anxiety or mood swings.<\/p>\n
For people holding high-pressure jobs where there can be life-or-death outcomes \u2013 such as doctors and firefighters \u2013 witnessing tragedies as a result of a mistake can also result in survivor\u2019s guilt or post-traumatic stress disorder, she added.<\/p>\n
MANAGE THE PRESSURE WITHOUT LEAVING THE JOB\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Ultimately, people in high-stress jobs may not be able to escape the pressure entirely without giving up on their careers. However, the experts said there are practical ways to manage the stress.<\/p>\n Ms Vivien Tay, a senior counsellor at New Leaf, said it is essential to stay connected to the purpose that drives our work, and trust the judgments that we have learnt through years of training, education and experience.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile it is natural to feel the weight of others\u2019 expectations, staying grounded in your professional training and experience is key to making informed and sound decisions.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n She also said that having a supportive network of trusted professionals such as colleagues, mentors or supervisors can help refocus your thinking and assist when the weight of the decision feels overwhelming.<\/p>\n \u201cMaintaining sound decision-making in high-pressure, life-and-death situations requires a balance of self-awareness, support and practical techniques to manage stress,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n \u201cBy staying true to your professional training, embracing collaboration and recognising the uncertainty inherent in complex situations, you can navigate high-stakes situations with composure, clarity and confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Chow warned against habits such as skipping meals or sacrificing sleep that negatively affect mental clarity in high-pressure jobs.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile these may seem like quick solutions, they have significant consequences for mental clarity. The brain requires adequate fuel from food to function optimally and without regular meals, cognitive performance \u2013 including concentration, memory and decision making \u2013 suffers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cTo break free from these unproductive patterns, it is essential to replace them with healthier alternatives that prioritise self-care and well-being so that we can be productive in a more sustainable manner.\u201d<\/p>\n She said that adopting relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, which involves slow and deep breaths to help promote relaxation, can help reduce stress throughout he day.<\/p>\n When possible, taking short and regular breaks throughout the workday can help prevent mental fatigue, Dr Chow added.\u00a0<\/p>\n It is also important to take care of yourself by staying hydrated and getting enough sleep each day.<\/p>\n \u201cMental clarity is influenced by a combination of physiological, emotional and cognitive factors,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n