Your brain is amazing and incredibly complex, but it can easily trick and deceive you.

The Amygdala is another part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, responses, and behaviour. For instance, when you feel threatened, your Amygdala receives the emotion and triggers a fight or flight response.

However, the Amygdala can activate an inappropriate response to a non-threatening situation, leading you to react in an unsuitable way. For example, you might shout at your boss instead of having a constructive conversation with them about the problem.

Taking care of our brains as much as our bodies is crucial since they perform many functions for us. Therefore, it's important to learn about your emotions, identify what triggers make you upset or angry, and adopt strategies to keep yourself well.

Small amounts of stress can be good

A list of the 8 Executive Functions

Our brains are truly remarkable. They operate constantly, even while we sleep, and keep us functioning daily. They care for us when we are hurt, happy, or stressed. Although we typically view stress as a negative thing due to its significant impact on our physical and emotional health, it can be beneficial in small amounts. Stress can enhance our memory, strengthen our immune system, motivate us to work harder and more efficiently, and make our lives more exciting and enjoyable.

However, excessive and constant stress is not ideal, as it can harm our physical well-being and long-term emotional health. When we are stressed, our brain produces Cortisol to help us handle the stress, but too much Cortisol can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, fatigue, weight gain, and breathing difficulties.

If you are experiencing too much stress, examining the underlying emotions causing it is crucial, as they may explain why you are stressed and reacting the way you are. Recognising these underlying emotions can help you figure out how to feel better, calmer, and more relaxed.

Amygdala - fight or flight

Questions and Answers

  • How can stress be good for me?

    A little bit of stress helps us achieve the things we want and need. Too much stress can be really damaging and have serious health consequences. Read my Newsletter article about stress.

  • I always seem to yell at everyone about anything, does this mean I am in fighting mode all the time?

    It could be, it could be you are really stressed about things which are happening and you are trying to manage. Slow things down, write a list of jobs to do or the things which are stressing you. Put them into achievable chunks and it will help de stress you.

  • Why does my back hurt when I’ve been really stressed?

    When we are stressed we release different hormones and chemicals to help our body to be ready to fight or run away. Part of this is adrenaline so more blood is pumped to our limbs to give us that extra strength we need. However, once the stress has gone or eased the adrenaline disappears and our body relaxes. Our adrenal glands live in our back and this is why our backs hurt or ache once the stress has been released.

How to fight the mental fight

  • Sky with white fluffy clouds

    Understanding Strategies

    Strategies help our brain switch back to its thinking mode, being calm helps us think more clearly.

    Learn about strategies
  • Field as sun is setting

    Neurodiversity

    Every person’s unique abilities will differ from one another, as no one person is the same.

    Learn about neurodiversity
  • Green grass blowing in the wind

    Feelings, What feelings?

    Acknowledging & accepting your feelings can set you free and start building your resilience.

    Learn about your feelings