The Fight or Flight ResponseThe fight or flight response is your body’s way of mobilizing resources to fight or flee from the threat. Knowing your stress response is a good way to develop your mastery of countering stress. The quick message to the brainImagine that you are strolling down a dark street and a shadow passes that gives you a fright.At this point your body sends a signal to the amygdala, which activates the sympathetic and inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system. This results in stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol being secreted into your bloodstream. This increases your heart rate and blood pressure, sweaty palms and an increased breathing rate. Essentially the body is mobilizing resources to 'fight or flee' from the threat. For more discussion on the symptoms of stress click here. While the initial stress response may have helped you to escape from predators in caveman times, such a response may not be the most appropriate for today. For example, the fight or flight response may not be the most appropriate response to today’s commons stressors which include the stress from exams, relationships, daily stressors such as traffic and noise, in addition to feelings of being pressured from a lack of time. The slower message to the brainFollowing the activation of the 'fight or flight' response a slower signal is sent to the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex appraises the situation.Was the shadow due to a mugger or due to the lamp-post? If you appraise the situation as non-threatening then an all clear signal is sent to the brain. If you appraise the situation as threatening then a threat signal is sent and the stress response increased.
SummaryThe stress response has served an adaptive function for our very survival. However there are not many occurrences in work life, relationships or in other performance domains, where this is an optimal response.For example, a final exam requires focus and reasoning, not fleeing from a threat. The survival focus generally results in poorer concentration and decisions; the very things that enable success in work, sport and personal relationships. To manage the stress response there are many stress management techniques that you can use. These include relaxation techniques which help to activate the relaxation response and counter the effects of stress.
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