Your sympathetic nervous system is what controls the fight or flight response. When it is triggered, it shuts down all "nonessential activity" and prepares the body to either flee or fight the perceived threat.
What happens to your body when the fight or flight response kicks in?
2. Deeper and more rapid breathing
3. Increased muscle tension
4. Cold sweat
5. Blood vessels constrict
6. Shivering
7. Hairs on the body stand up
8. Pupils dilate
9. Digesive system shuts down
10. Decreased flow of saliva (dry mouth)
11. Voiding of the bowels and bladder
12. Adrenaline (eninephrine) is released into the bloodstream.
Many people, like myself, have an overactive sympathetic nervous system - meaning, quite simply that the slightest thing will set off the fight or flight response in our bodies.
This is usually caused by several different factors:
Physical exhaustion due to stressful events.
A tendency to hyperventilate (read the article on breathing properly).
A medical condition.
A drug reaction (yes, caffeine is a drug!),
Learn to recognize the symptoms of the fight or flight response. Learn to recognize the symptoms of hyperventilation. It is of paramount importance that you learn to understand your body! You cannot heal your mind if you are constantly wondering what your body is doing!
As always, I am here to listen. Ask me questions and I will search for the answers. Or just talk to me ... I am a good listener....
Email me at nomorepanic@email.com
Peace, Karen
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