The Physiology of Stress

By Genevieve Gerard

Stress is a physiological response to the events of our lives. How we respond to that stress and what happens to our bodies when we feel threatened dates back to times when life was more primitive and the responses to life events was simpler. When we feel threatened or endangered our body responds by producing adrenalin. Blood pumps away from the extremities into the muscles. This is why when you are feeling frightened or stressed your hands and feet are often cold. The heart rate accelerates, and the blood pressure increases. Muscles bunch preparing the body protect itself from the perceived danger by either fight or flight. This is called the fight flight response.

Prior to the industrial revolution fighting or fleeing was an appropriate response to most risky life situations. Threats were clear and involved survival. The natural selection process of survival of the fittest worked well. If you were the strongest or the fastest you survived. This was accomplished by either overcoming your adversary physically or by fleeing to a safe place away from your adversary.… Continue reading →