Let’s take a moment to delve into the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)—the orchestrator behind this response.
The SNS is a vital part of the autonomic nervous system, often tasked with ensuring survival in the face of immediate threats.
Upon activation, a finely tuned cascade of reactions occurs, travelling from your brain, down your spine, and into your organs.
Here’s how it works across several domains:
1. Neurotransmitter surge: The SNS acts within milliseconds, releasing noradrenaline to prepare your body. Organs such as the heart and lungs are primed for rapid action.
2. Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis: Simultaneously, the hypothalamus communicates with adrenal glands, releasing adrenaline and later cortisol, to sustain the response if the threat persists.
3. Cardiovascular modifications: Blood vessels constrict in non-essential areas (e.g., the digestive system) and dilate in muscles, maximising oxygen delivery where it is most needed.
4. Metabolic boost: The liver converts glycogen into glucose for instant energy, while fat stores mobilise for prolonged effort.
5. Enhanced brain function: Cortisol sharpens memory formation linked to the threat, a survival tool designed to help you avoid similar dangers in the future.
In the world of our ancestors, this system was indispensable—not only for escaping predators but also for hunting, problem-solving, and gathering resources.
The same physiological boost that enabled humans to outmanoeuvre predators could be harnessed to pursue prey or solve complex challenges.
Today, the ‘fight or flight’ response is often misunderstood. Some dismiss it as an outdated mechanism, misfiring in modern settings such as workplaces or personal relationships.
But it’s far from obsolete.
The key lies in reframing its role.
While chronic activation can have negative effects, understanding where and when it should be triggered can transform it into an asset rather than a liability.