When you insert this biological
fight-or-flight response system into today's high-stress, high-pressure work settings, it's no surprise that intense, inappropriate emotional reactions often result.
Since the
fight-or-flight response is designed for physical action, regular exercise is a great way of dissipating the physical manifestations of stress hormones in the body.
Likewise, positive self-talk can stop the
fight-or-flight response giving you indigestion.
These hormones, which are central to the body's
fight-or-flight response, cause the heart to beat faster and more forcefully.
This is known as the
fight-or-flight response, says Dr.
Cortisol is part of the body's
fight-or-flight response. Following a stressful event or an injury, the adrenal glands boost the production of cortisol.
That reaction is natural, part of the
fight-or-flight response programmed into many animals.
Research has found happiness actually has an important evolutionary purpose, something psychologist Barbara Fredrickson termed the "broaden-and-build theory." Negative emotions narrow our actions down to a series of immediate
fight-or-flight responses, while positive emotions can broaden the number of possible scenarios we process, making us more thoughtful, creative and open to new ideas.