| The Flight or Fight Response
It might be the 21st century, but our bodies are still prehistoric. They still expect physical danger and are programmed to either run or stop and fight. The body responds brilliantly to meet these dangers and once it has received a fight –
| 1) | Pupils dilate (to see better) |
| 2) | Circulation whizzes the blood supply to the brain, muscles and limbs (extra oxygen to think quicker and run faster) |
| 3) | Heart beats quicker and harder as coronary arteries dilate (ready for fast get away) |
| 4) | Blood pressure rises (its all or nothing) |
| 5) | Lungs take in more oxygen and release more carbon dioxide (may have to run a long way) |
| 6) | Liver releases extra sugar for energy (might need it) |
| 7) | Muscles tense for action (run or fight) |
| 8) | Sweating increases to speed heat loss |
| 9) | Blood clotting ability increases (might get hurt) |
| 10) | Adrenaline |
At the same time, other body activity decreases as activity is needed in other areas –
| 1) | Digestion slows down |
| 2) | Mouth goes dry |
| 3) | Kidney, large intestine, bladder slow down |
| 4) | Immune responses decrease |
Now all this is great news if we have to fight a lion or run away from a mad axe man. But – if we don't – what happens? The stress is never released and all of these fight/flight responses stay churning around in our bodies never being released. Stress gets worse and we do actually become physical ill.
We get:
| 1) | Palpitations and chest pains |
| 2) | Recurrent headaches |
| 3) | Heartburn and stomach cramps |
| 4) | Stomach feeling full of gas |
| 5) | Loss of memory and concentration |
| 6) | Feeling woolly headed |
| 7) | Inability to make decisions |
| 8) | Frequent feelings of anger and irritation |
| 9) | Feeling dull and low |
| 10) | Sleep disturbance |
Question:
 | Have you ever been stressed and experienced any of these symptoms? If so, which ones? How long did it last? Are you still experiencing them? |
|