react

How Your Body Reacts to Threats

When you sense danger - whether it’s real or imagined - your body reacts by releasing stress hormones, which help you to either fight or run away from the danger. This 'fight or flight' reaction prepares your body for emergency action: Your heart beats faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes make you stronger and quicken your reaction time. These changes are designed to help you respond more effectively to threats. However, beyond a certain point, these reactions may stop being helpful and can cause major damage to your health.