The amygdala (Latin for almond) is a small circular shaped part of the brain which sits in between your temples, in line with the part of your head where your jawbone attaches to skull. There’s 2 amygdalae’s, one on each hemisphere of the brain. It’s part of the limbic system which pays a key role in processing and reacting to external stimulus, processing memories and emotional behaviour.
The amygdala communicates with the prefrontal cortex which is at the front of the brain and when it may need to act, sends a signal to the hypothalamus. When under stress it could bi-pass the prefrontal cortex which causes an autonomous response, or flight or flight reaction. This means very minimal cognitive thinking is processed.
This response is extremely helpful when escaping a lion in hunter-gatherer times or when encountering a robber or something of actual threat. However, it’s shown that social threats can also cause this response in the body e.g. having trouble at work or living in a dangerous neighbourhood. When this occurs the sympathetic nervous system activity also increases.
Chronic use of this will cause the brain to become more sensitive to external stimuli where no danger has occurred and leads to chronic stress and constant fight or flight.
During the stress response, your breathing gets shallower, heart rate with increase, your body releases adrenaline, and an increase in cortisol (stress hormone) triggers glucose to enters the bloodstream.
People in constant fight or flight are overthinkers, they struggle to turn the brain off. This leads to trouble ‘connecting’ with the environment. A lack of emotional intelligence and empathy. Difficulty focusing and procrastination. They can also make extreme irrational decisions like throwing their phone or punching a wall. This is called complete amygdala hijack.
This is a simplistic model of how the brain works and should not be taken as a complete explanation.
Prevent the ‘stress response’ is impossible. However, managing to relax and control your amygdala will lead to the opposite effects of those mentioned above i.e clearer thinking and better concentration. It will also help you better deal with emotions, this will help release stress in your body which will show in day-to-day life.
To start, look out for your triggers e.g. social situations is the place to start. Observe your thoughts and feelings when this occurs and use the information to override in future occasions.