Physiological Reactions to Stress: The Fight or Flight Response

The Threat Survival Mechanism

When we face challenges or threats, our body activates a natural response known as the fight or flight reaction in order to react quickly.

This is a fundamental survival mechanism, the way our body prepares itself to effectively deal with the most difficult situations.

This natural reaction of our body to danger or a threat prepares us to confront the situation or, on the contrary, to escape.

It is a response that is extremely useful in real emergencies, since it provides us with the necessary physiological tools to survive imminent danger.

Understanding this mechanism is essential, since it is the basis of many of the physical sensations we experience when we are in a state of high stress.

The Physiological Process: From Trigger to Action

The process begins with a trigger, which is when our brain perceives something as dangerous or stressful and sends out signals alert to the entire body.

In response to this signal, our body immediately releases a series of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

The production of these hormones very quickly prepares our body to respond to the threat in the most effective and rapid way possible.

These hormonal changes are responsible for making us feel a surge of energy and a sharpening of our senses, preparing us for immediate physical action.

The Purpose of the Response: Energy and Concentration

All of these physiological changes that occur in our body have a very clear purpose: to give us the energy and concentration necessary to fight or flee.

The release of hormones and the activation of the nervous system put us in a state of maximum alert, optimizing our resources to be able to face the challenge.

This response is of great help when we find ourselves in real emergencies, since it mobilizes all of our capacities to guarantee our survival.

It's our body's way of ensuring that we have the strength, speed, and focus necessary to ove