Chronic stress takes a toll on virtually the entire body, but usually the first place it is noticeable is from the effects it has on our brain. Specifically, our cognition suffers, and persons around us who are accustomed to the way we are will notice marked changes.

The reasoning mind is essential in the practice of Stoicism. It has been compared to a fortress in a passage from Marcus Aurelius In Meditations 8.48  Remember that the ruling faculty is invincible, when self-collected it is satisfied with itself, if it does nothing which it does not choose to do, even if it resist from mere obstinacy. What then will it be when it forms a judgement about anything aided by reason and deliberately? Therefore the mind which is free from passions is a citadel, for man has nothing more secure to which he can fly for, refuge and for the future be inexpugnable. He then who has not seen this is an ignorant man; but he who has seen it and does not fly to this refuge is unhappy.

But what happens when that citadel is under siege from stress. How do you maintain vigilance in the face of chronic stress?

But stress does not need to take hold of our brain and cognition, reducing us into inefficient workers or doing everyday tasks as we can do things to restore our mental prowess.

Suffering from the cognitive deficits resulting from chronic stress yourself?