The flight response is one of the body’s natural reactions to a perceived threat, part of the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn stress responses. It is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and involves a cascade of physiological changes preparing the body to escape or avoid the danger.
Examples of the Flight Response
Physical: Rapid movement, fidgeting, or the urge to leave a room or space immediately.
Emotional: Anxiety, restlessness, or an overwhelming need to escape or avoid.
Behavioral: Walking away from arguments, overworking, or constantly staying “busy” to avoid distress.
What Happens in the Body?
Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System
When a threat is detected, the amygdala sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus, activating the sympathetic nervous system. This triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, priming the body to flee from the perceived threat.
Some Physiological Changes
Increased Heart Rate: To fuel the body for rapid movement.
Elevated Breathing Rate: To supply muscles with more oxygen.
Enhanced Blood Flow to Limbs: Enables swift movement or running.
Reduced Non-Essential Functions: Digestion slows, bladder relaxation may occur, and salivation decreases.
Peripheral Vision Narrowing: To focus on an escape route.
Neurological Focus and Avoidance
The prefrontal cortex, which handles logical thinking, is somewhat sidelined by the amygdala’s need for quick action.
Avoidance and escape behaviors are prioritized to distance oneself from the threat as quickly as possible.
Hormonal and Neurological Feedback Loops
Adrenaline Surge: Provides immediate energy for flight.
Cortisol Release: Maintains energy levels for sustained escape while suppressing non-essential functions.
How to Become Aware of the Flight Response
Notice Physical Sensations: Racing heart, shallow breathing, or restless movements.
Reflect on Immediate Reactions: Do you feel the urge to run, leave, or disengage?
Pay Attention to Thoughts: Are they centered on avoiding conflict or fleeing a situation?
Tips for Understanding and Working with the Flight Response
Pause and Breathe: Use slow, diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system.
Ground Yourself: Connect to the present by engaging your senses—notice what you see, hear, or feel.
Identify the Trigger: Reflect on what caused your desire to flee to understand and address it.
Practice Mindful Movement: Engage in activities like walking or yoga to release excess energy safely.
Reframe the Situation: Shift your perspective from danger to safety with self-assurance and calming thoughts.
Seek Safety: If fleeing is necessary, acknowledge it as a survival mechanism, not a flaw.
Talk It Out: Share your feelings with someone you trust to process and validate your response.
Take the Next Step
Understanding and regulating your nervous system is a vital part of feeling safer, more embodied, and empowered in life.
Book a 1:1 Session: Receive personalized support to understand and rewire your flight patterns. Click Here for more info.
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