Re: Science: What does poker do to your brain? (x post from psychology)
Physically parts of your brain will change. If we assume you get good at poker you will get better at the kind of logic poker uses, as your brain will physically adapt and create new pathways as needed. Gaining a tendency towards statistical analysis in other aspects of life is probably a common sideeffect for many taking poker seriously.
As for stress levels, stress is generally just good for you, except when you get into situations you can't master which will sometimes happen in poker. Then you get what is referred to as negative stress symptoms. Experiencing some stress other than that is just good for you.
Some personalities thrive on stress and for them it would be very negative to live without it (they'd actually often get depressed if they didn't partake in a stressful environment) - it wouldn't surprise me if these types constitute the best poker players.
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