Chronic stress accumulation must be repaid through recovery

Why This Is a Principle

This derives from the axiom that unrehearsed information decays exponentially (Exponential Information Decay establishes biological decay patterns), that executive function draws from finite resources requiring specific recovery (Directed Attention as Depletable Resource), and that acute stress degrades prefrontal function while subcortical systems remain operational (Under acute stress, the prefrontal cortex degrades in). The principle prescribes preventing chronic activation rather than managing its consequences—actionable and general enough to apply across stress contexts.