Flight-or-Fight Response

Posted: December 21st, 2022

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Flight-or-Fight Response

The flight-or-fight response happens automatically as a psychological reaction to an incident or event that is deemed frightening or stressful. The feeling of being threatened triggers the sympathetic nervous system, and stimulates a serious stress reaction mechanism that conditions the body to flee or fight back.

Situations that Activate Flight-or-Fight Response

• Slamming on the car brakes when an automobile in front makes an unexpected halt.
• Having to respond to a case before a jury or a large crowd.
• Being in threat of an attack by a thief or kidnapper.
• When caught up in a fight
• When attacked or nearly being attacked by an animal such as a snake or dog

What Happens to the Body

• The body reacts in the following ways during the sympathetic response;
• The heart rate increases significantly because the body requires more oxygen and energy required to prompt a fast reaction to danger.
• Breathing also increases to facilitate oxygen supply during this tense moment when the demand is high.
• Trembling or shaking is as a result of the muscles becoming tense and becoming conditioned for response and action.
• One may be compelled to fight or defend themselves with the hope of setting themselves free from an attack.
• The body freezes and is unable to make any defensive move.

Why Consistence Response is Bad for Overall Health

• Constant anxiety and overresponse to stimulus causes unregulated fear and anxiety.
• Constant flight-or-fight mode makes a person become demotivated.
• Chronic activation of the response mechanism can result in digestive complications.
• Constant activation can cause heart disease.
• The condition could result in chronic stress.

What One can do to Activate their Parasympathetic Response

• Intentionally paying attention to slowing one’s breathing.
• Finding a soothing word
• Being prayerful