As soon as the stressful event occurs, it triggers the release of the cascade of hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal hormones — the brain’s stress response. It also triggers the adrenal glands to release epinephrine, or adrenaline, and the sympathetic nerves to squirt out the adrenaline-like chemical norepinephrine all over the body: nerves that wire the heart, and gut, and skin. So, the heart is driven to beat faster, the fine hairs of your skin stand up, you sweat, you may feel nausea or the urge to defecate. But your attention is focused, your vision becomes crystal clear, a surge of power helps you run — these same chemicals released from nerves make blood flow to your muscles, preparing you to sprint.
~ Esther M. Sternberg, The Balance Within: The Science Connecting Health and Emotions
Notes:
- Quote – Brain Pickings.
- Sculpture – Young-Deok Seo (“Meditation #15, Stainless chain, 130x70x200 cm, 2014) via My Modern Met
Sounds awful. Is this what happens when you run? 🙂
Ha! All of that and more… (I know too graphic this early)
Not not too early or graphic for us ‘Down under’… we are tough over here 🙂
That’s true. That it is.
I’m gonna take a wild guess and say that these feelings were some of the MANY experienced by this lucky bloke…
http://www.usatoday.com/media/cinematic/video/30401681/surf-pro-fights-off-safrica-shark-attack-on-live-tv/
Ha. Saw that. And if course he is saying that he punched shark and that worked. That shark would have swallowed his arm if it wanted to, without emitting even a low level burp.
I felt my fight or flight response when I watched this too – and I was in the comfort of my home!
Don’t underestimate that squirt of “adrenaline-like chemical norepinephrine”!
Ha! Or the gush…
The human body and brain..never ceases to amaze ! I’ve been on a first name basis with so many of these hormones. Fight or flight…indeed. ☺
Yes. And all of it, coursing through the body at the same time. No wonder we have vertigo.
I suppose it means we shouldn’t sweat the big stuff — or the little stuff — don’t wanna throw up or anything —
Laughing.
Ah, the science behind the “Fight or Flight” response to danger. As it also is in the animal world. The difference is, in the animal world, the threat is always a reality.
-Alan
Hmmm. And in certain human environments. 🙂
Must remember this when I have sabre toothed tiger up my ass 😉
LAUGHING!
this works in slow motion when i go on my daily walks/wandering adventures )
Well lucky you to have this daily experience.
So, you puke, but you’re very clear about puking.
That’s right!