Fight or Flight with Your Fears

Flight or fight is our body's response to danger/ fear. It's totally normal to have these responses as this is how our bodies protect us. These responses instantly cause hormonal and physiological changes. It's also known as a survival instinct. Also, these reactions or responses are not conscious decisions. It cannot be controlled by you, it's automatic reactions. Some physiological responses are heartbeat rate increases, your breathing speeds up, etc. Some psychological responses are anxiety, stress, nervousness, etc.

These responses as already mentioned are normal, safe, and common, but sometimes these responses turn to be overreactive. This happens when a non-threatening situation triggers a reaction. This is the time when you need help from a psychologist because this is not normal. As responding to non-threatening situations in the same way you respond to threatening situations will disturb your day-to-day activities. 

It's also important to understand that social support can help us a lot to face our fears easily. This is because when we are alone, we feel insecure, lonely, left out, and burdened. Someone being with us during our difficult times actually makes us feel that we are protected, loved, and important in someone's life. So always try to make the bond with other people, sometimes just the presence of someone give us a lot of strength which being alone don't. 

The second way to calm yourself down is by relaxation techniques like deep breathing whenever you feel nervous or stressed, meditation, yoga, etc. These techniques help to keep our minds at peace and help us to think wisely and patiently during stressful situations. 

So though these responses are natural but don't ignore it when it becomes unnatural. 

By: Prachi Sachdev

Birla Balika Vidyapeeth, Pilani