Adrenaline. The fight-or-flight hormone.

Adrenaline is the hormone that prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses, a reaction well-known in stress coaching. The adrenaline rush is the quick release of adrenaline into our bloodstream, which affects the mind and body in many ways. It heightens awareness, improves breathing, and increases strength, for example. It temporarily suppresses non-essential functions such as digestion and immune responses, redirecting resources to more immediate needs. It activates energy by providing a quick energy source for muscles during intense physical activity.

Overall, adrenaline enables individuals to respond quickly and effectively to challenging or threatening situations.

While adrenaline plays a crucial role in helping us respond to stress and danger, excessive or prolonged exposure to adrenaline can have adverse effects on both the mind and body! Continual activation of the body's stress response system by adrenaline can lead to chronic anxiety or panic, causing persistent feelings of fear, worry, and unease, some feelings I used to struggle with for many years.

Continuous adrenaline activation can lead to.

  • Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

  • Insomnia and Disrupted Sleep

  • Muscle Tension and Pain

  • Suppressed Immune Function

  • Digestive Issues

  • Mood Swings and Irritability

  • Fatigue and Burnout

Chronic stress and repeated adrenaline spikes can eventually lead to adrenal fatigue or burnout, characterized by extreme exhaustion, reduced resilience to stress, and a decline in overall well-being. I have experienced how this process can completely break us down physically and mentally. So, if we are familiar with these feelings, it’s better to manage them effectively and find healthy coping mechanisms to prevent stress and the negative impact of excessive adrenaline on both the mind and body.

This will likely involve incorporating practices such as mindfulness, some exercise, adequate sleep, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals when necessary. However, being proactive by involving these practices in our daily routines is where change can happen.

Recently, I challenged myself to a fight-or-flight response IRL, where I chose to fight. I will tell you more about this experience soon.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any thoughts or questions.

Photo: Anna Drakou


Fredrika Magnusson