Fight or flight response

• Fight-or-flight response


  A system with deep evolutionary roots that is triggered when a person is shocked and frightened, causing time to seem to slow down, increased heart rate and breathing, body tensing up and poising for action, and difficulty calming down afterwards
• The fight-or-flight response evolved to help people fight or run away from predators
• In the modern world, the fight-or-flight response is often triggered by stressors that cannot be fought or run away from, like worries about bills, meetings, or exams
• The fight-or-flight response process

  1. Recognize the threat

  2. Activate the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine system

  3. Release adrenaline and cortisol

  4. Increase blood flow to the brain and muscles, decrease blood flow to other systems, increase breathing rate, dilate pupils, increase sweating, increase mental alertness
• Chronic stress


  Can lead to physical problems like heart disease, obesity, IBS, and mental disorders like depression
• Tend and befriend response


  An alternate stress response in women where they focus on social connections and working together to overcome difficulties, rather than fighting or running away
• Breathing deeply and slowly, exercising, listening to relaxing music, getting enough sleep, and maintaining social connections can help manage stress