Ep 5. Stress Test

Brain Games is an astounding show that highlights the cognitive abilities and workings of the human mind. It uses interactive games and illusions to demonstrate the clever tricks that our mind plays on us, testing our abilities of perception, attention, memory, and much more. The third season of the show aims to unlock the wonders of the most complex organ in the human body. The fifth episode of this season is called Stress Test, and it focuses on the psychological consequences of stress on the human mind.

Stress is an inevitable part of life that we all experience at some point in time. Stressors can include anything from natural disasters, car accidents, financial problems, relationship conflicts, to the everyday stressors of life. Even the good events such as promotions or getting married can sometimes lead to stress. But how does our brain deal with stress, and what happens when we are stressed out?

In the episode, host Jason Silva attempts to find answers to these questions by putting his own brain through different stress tests to show how the brain functions under stressful situations. Silva undergoes a series of experiments to detect how his stress levels change. For the experiments, he is hooked up to a heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, and galvanic skin response sensor, which measures the electrical conductivity of his skin. The sensors detect any changes in Silva's physical responses when he's engaged in various activities designed to intentionally induce stress.

The episode begins with an experiment shaped as a high-stress event - skydiving. Silva is asked to put himself in an extreme situation by imagining he's leaping from a plane. As he jumps into this visualization exercise, his heart rate and other measurements go through noticeable changes, indicating how much stress the brain can handle during life-threatening situations.

Silva’s adrenaline starts pumping during the experiment, causing his heart rate and breathing to increase. This stress response is primitive, and it prepares the body for "fight or flight" mode. The brain releases cortisol, the hormone responsible for the "fight or flight" response. The hormone makes the heart beat faster, and the blood pressure spike, preparing the body for immediate action.

In another experiment, Silva is wired up to some sensors and then tries his hand at a video game that keeps getting more complicated. The objective of this experiment is to observe the human reaction when things are going well and when things turn sour. Silva's stress levels start going up in response to failed attempts to complete the level. This experiment shows how stress builds up gradually, and it doesn't take much to set off the stress response in the mind.

The third experiment involves the use of a social stressor. Silva is set up in a mock interview, which puts him in a vulnerable and uncomfortable position. The activity is designed to induce stress and is designed to serve as a test of how well he is at handling such stressors.

Silva's breathing becomes shallow, and his voice starts wavering as he struggles to keep his composure and answer the challenging questions. The experiment showcases how even social stresses such as public speaking or interviews, have the potential to create a significant negative impact on the mind.

Throughout the episode, Jason Silva makes it evident how essential stress is for the human body and that there is such a thing as positive stress. The positive kind of stress provides the necessary boost to push us beyond our limits and perform better. On the other hand, stress can also be detrimental to the mind if it becomes chronic.

Silva's stress levels decrease significantly in the final experiment, where he spends time in a peaceful and serene natural space. The episode ends with final thoughts on how being aware of the negative effects and triggers of stress helps to prevent undue mental suffering, and in turn, lead to a better quality of life.

In conclusion, Brain Games Season 3 Episode 5 is a fascinating episode that covers the subject of stress at great depth. It demonstrates the impact of stress on the human mind and the changes that occur when our brains are under stress. The experiments used in the episode are thoughtfully designed to bring the stress response in the mind to the forefront. The episode is a must-watch for all those interested in understanding the mysteries of the human brain and what happens when it undergoes stressful situations.