The article discusses the complex and coordinated response of the brain to stress, highlighting the role of various stress mediators such as monoamines, neuropeptides, and steroid hormones. Each mediator has specific spatial and temporal niches, but these niches also overlap, allowing for interactions between different mediators. These interactions result in an orchestrated 'symphony' of responses that enable the brain to adapt to diverse challenges. The authors emphasize that the diversity of stress mediators is not redundant but rather essential for optimal action in specific niches and for the integration of multiple mediators. They also discuss the temporal profiles of these responses, which can be categorized into rapid and delayed actions, and the direct interactions between different mediators. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to understand the full spectrum of actions and interactions of stress mediators and their roles in human cognitive performance and stress-related disorders.The article discusses the complex and coordinated response of the brain to stress, highlighting the role of various stress mediators such as monoamines, neuropeptides, and steroid hormones. Each mediator has specific spatial and temporal niches, but these niches also overlap, allowing for interactions between different mediators. These interactions result in an orchestrated 'symphony' of responses that enable the brain to adapt to diverse challenges. The authors emphasize that the diversity of stress mediators is not redundant but rather essential for optimal action in specific niches and for the integration of multiple mediators. They also discuss the temporal profiles of these responses, which can be categorized into rapid and delayed actions, and the direct interactions between different mediators. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to understand the full spectrum of actions and interactions of stress mediators and their roles in human cognitive performance and stress-related disorders.