Why does working memory fail during stress even when you know the information?

[Shree]

Have you experienced blanking out on simple things during pressure moments? What helps you recover focus quickly in those situations?

 

[Hazel]

Stress activates the body's threat response, which can make it harder to focus and hold information in working memory. Even if you know the material well, your brain may struggle to retrieve it because it's prioritizing coping with stress. Once you calm down, recall often improves.