Fight or Flight VS. Rest and Digest

Most of you have heard of “Fight, Freeze or Flight” and “Rest and Digest.” But, did you know that with these two responses of our autonomic nervous system only one can be active at a time? Many people are stuck in Fight, Freeze or Flight. If your body is on this high alert then you will see indigestion, chronic anxiety, exhaustion, irregular elimination, irregular menstruation, fertility issues, insomnia, low immunity or more.

Fight, Freeze or Flight is our sympathetic nervous system’s response to perceived threats. It helps you to run away from danger (or sometimes you freeze like a deer in headlights). Your body gets soaked with stress hormones, your heart rate increases, blood goes into your muscles, your airways and pupils dilate, and your digestion slows. This is a great response if you are in danger as it optimizing your body to react. However, if you are caught in a cycle of stress response, sometimes your body is so soaked with stress hormones that the levels cannot go back to normal. It is like a light switch that is stuck only on ON. When this happens, minor and everyday stressors can send you right back into a sympathetic response. It can be as simple as your cell phone pinging. This can lead to chronic health issues. I have seen this many times with my clients.

Rest and Digest is your parasympathetic nervous system’s response which relaxes you. Hormones are released to lower the levels of stress hormones and promote digestion, elimination, recuperation, and the ability to rest and relax fully. This response will lower inflammation and increase immune function.

What you can do if you are stuck in the stress response?

1) Incorporate regular relaxation into your life. Daily meditation, relaxation exercises and/or breathwork (pranayama) with help your nervous system to settle.

2) Avoid multi-tasking and running from one thing to the next. This revs up your nervous system.

3) Get regular gentle exercise like yoga, walking or tai chi.

4) Go outside daily. Studies show that being out in nature helps you relax.

5) Get regular sleep.

6) Pacify Vata.

If you need help with any of this or want to explore if more book a private session.