If you’ve ever been in a highly stressful situation, you’ve likely experienced the fight-or-flight response.

Your pulse races, your breathing speeds up, your pupils dilateall in response to a perceived danger.

These symptoms serve an important purpose in some situations, but they can feel disruptive and uncomfortable in others.

Woman wearing athletic wear lying on back with hands placed on lower abdomen

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What Is the Fight-or-Flight Response?

However, you’re free to use self-help techniques tocalm down quicklyand alleviate the symptoms.

This can also bring down both your heart rate and adrenaline response.

Visualizationis one method that involves using mental imagery to picture yourself in a calming location.

Mantra meditationis another way to reach a more relaxed state.

Mindful Moment

Need a breather?

You should also consider avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine during a fight-or-flight response.

For these individuals, the symptoms occur either far too frequently, or they happen at inappropriate times.

Find out which option is the best for you.

Regardless of what prompts it, being in this state isn’t a comfortable experience.

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