Controlling Nervousness

We've all heard of the Flight or Fight response. All living creatures experience this survival mechanism when confronted with perceived danger. We can either defend ourselves or run away from this danger. Fear is a natural feeling everyone encounters. EVERYONE!

Flight or Fight symptoms.


* Acceleration of heart and lung action
* Paling or flushing, or alternating between both
* Inhibition of stomach and upper-intestinal action (digestion slows down or stops)
* General effect on the sphincters of the body
* Constriction of blood vessels in many parts of the body
* Liberation of nutrients (particularly fat and glucose) for muscular action
* Dilation of blood vessels for muscles
* Inhibition of the lacrimal gland (responsible for tear production) and salivation
* Dilation of pupil (mydriasis)
* Relaxation of bladder
* Evacuation of colon
* Inhibition of erection
* Auditory exclusion (loss of hearing)
* Tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision)
* Acceleration of instantaneous reflexes
* Shaking


The Physiology of Fear

When dealing with a form of danger, the body enters a state of physiological arousal due to the release of Adrenaline hormone. Some common feels as a result of fear caused by adrenalin are:

Increase Breathing & Heart Rate

An increase in breathing and heart rate allows the body to exchange oxygen in certain areas, specifically large muscles and major organs.

'Butterflies in my stomach'
This feeling of 'butterflies in your stomach' actually is caused by blood flowing away from the digestive system. As a result, the stomach is slightly deprived of oxygen.

Upset Stomach
As mentioned above, blood flow is diverted from the digestive system, and the elimination of wastes helps lighten the body so that it can run faster from the danger

Dizziness
Occurs because of an increase of OXYGEN in the body due to increase RESPIRATION

Dry Mouth
Increase breathing and sweating causes dehydration

Sweating
Increase blood flow to large muscles creates heat in your body and you begin to sweat

Tremmors/Shakes
Blood flow is diverted away from the fine motor muscles and are sent to the large muscles and major organs. Lack of oxygen to the motor muscles causes the shakes as those muscles are deprived.

Dilated Pupils
Your pupils enlarge to allow more light to enter the eye

Slurred Speech
Blood is diverted away from certain brain areas - specifically the section that controls speech