1.There is a recent study on the effect of stress on memory by Andrew Yonelinas. Some evidence from previous studies suggests that short-term stress might help us better remember disturbing events. Other studies suggest it doesn't; but Yonelinas wanted to study this concept further. The idea came to him when he was bike riding and saw skydivers landing on their mark. Yonelinas tested levels of the stress hormone cortisol in 50 sky divers who where taking their first and second jump before the plane took off and after landing and then would be asked multiple questions on what they remembered, "it was maybe double" what standard lab stress experiments produce. He also asks the question "can a stressful event reach backward in time and rescue memories that otherwise would be forgotten?" Research into how people remember suggests that initially our memories are fragile. Something happens in our brains in the first couple of hours to preserve some memories and discard others.


http://www.psycport.com/showArticle.cfm?xmlFile=knightridder%5F2008%5F10%5F02%5F%5F0000%2D1442%2DSA%2DUC%2DDavis%2Dresearchers%2Dtest%2Dsky%2Ddivers%2Dto%2Dstudy%2Deffect%2Dof%2Dstress%2Don%2Dmemory%2D1002%2Exml&provider=The%20Sacramento%20Bee%2C%20Calif%2E

Physical Activity helps your memory! Even doing a brisk walk has mental improvements in older people with memory problems. However this research does not imply that exercise reduces the risk of dementia or Alzheimers. If you incorporate exercise in everyday life (it doesn't have to be an intense workout, just a walk) your memory will improve.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26512045/

2. You can use these psychological principles in everyday life to reduce stress:

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/too-tense-tips-for-beating-the-stress/

First take notice- Here are some symptoms to look for->

~Pain and disease
~Poor decision making
~Reduced physical energy
~Increased errors
~Burnout
~Lower quality of work
~Difficulty concentrating
~Tendency to avoid others

To Beat stress- Here are some physical and Psychological changes that have to be made->

~Take Time for YOU-You may be living your life through other people’s standards and expectations. Take control of your guilt-producing thoughts. Focus on the benefits to you and your family that will occur when you are a more relaxed and energized person.

~Go to lunch and don’t rush-Take a long lunch break at least three times a week and don't think about stressful things going on in your life right now

~Walk every day-Walk by yourself or with a friend. Talk about possibilities, not problems.

~Exercise more-Join an aerobics class, go to the gym, play tennis, ride a bike, hike on weekends, go to a fitness resort, or jog with friends. Exercise will do more to reduce stress hormones and chemicals in our body than any other activity.

~Learn deep relaxation skills-Take a class in yoga, imagery training, progressive relaxation, or autogenics. Practice your relaxation skills every day.

~Listen to relaxation tapes-Audiotapes are an excellent way to learn how to let go and relax. Develop the skill of deep relaxation that will cleanse your body of damaging stress hormones and chemicals.

~Listen to relaxing music-Any type of music you find enjoyable can help you to let go and relax. New Age music and some classical music are particularly helpful for reducing stress.