But with moderate and transient glucocorticoid elevation you release dopamine. And transient activation of the amygdala releases dopamine as well. Couple the glucocorticoid rise with the accompanying activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and you’re also enhancing glucose and oxygen delivery to the brain. You feel focused, alert, alive, motivated, anticipatory. You feel great. We have a name for such transient stress. We call it “stimulation.”
