The mechanism of stress and its evolutionary origin

The fight-or-flight response

To understand emotional control, we must understand stress. Stress is a natural response in our bodies, designed for survival.

When faced with a threat, the fight-or-flight response is activated. The brain detects danger and releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

The savannah example: the predator as an external stimulus

These hormones prepare the body for intense action: the heart beats faster, breathing quickens, the senses become more acute.

Imagine our ancestors on the African savannah; the appearance of a predator activated this mechanism. It was the difference between living or dying.

Stress as an instinctive survival mechanism

In an evolutionary context, this system was incredibly useful.

The stimulus that triggered it was always external and physical: a predator, an enemy, a natural disaster.

The problem is that this ancient system is still operating in us, in an environment that has radically changed.

Difference between activation due to real danger and activation due to thought

We no longer face lions in our daily lives. However, our brains still use the same mechanism to respond to threats in the modern world.

Threats that are often not physical, but psychological. And this is where the complexity of stress management today begins.

Summary

Stress activates a biological reaction called fight or flight, designed for our survival. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline prepare the body to face immediate dangers.

In the past, this response was useful when faced with physical threats like predators, where quick action meant survival. Our bodies would go into overdrive when faced with these external stimuli.

Today, without constant physical threats, this system reacts to thoughts and worries, causing unnecessary stress. The modern difficulty is distinguishing between real dangers and those created by the mind.