Have you have ever wondered what is happening to your body as you are feeling the results of stress in your life? The protective mechanisms which immediately spring into operation when our life is threatened is built in. It prepares us for a fight-or-flight response and involves the following biological changes:

* The liver releases sugar and fats which flow into the bloodstream to provide fuel for quick energy.

* Respiration becomes faster, so more oxygen is provided.

* Red blood cells flood the bloodstream, carrying more oxygen to the muscles of the limbs and the brain.

* The heart beats faster and the blood pressure rises, so that sufficient blood reaches the necessary areas. This response can sometimes be felt as a pounding heart or a racing pulse. If the threat is overwhelming, the heart may slow down and, in a critical condition, may even stop.

* Blood-clotting mechanisms are activated in anticipation of injury. Nature provided this mechanism to protect us in the Stone Age, when we were more likely to be fighting a saber-toothed tiger and, without this clotting mechanism, would have bled to death. The mechanism insures that clots will seal up the injured blood vessels. Nowadays, an increased clotting tendency may well cause thrombosis in blood vessels and lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

* The muscles become tense in preparation for strenuous action. For example, the shoulder may be braced, the muscles are tense in readiness to run, the body may become rigid, and the fists and jaw are clenched and ready to fight.

* Saliva dries up and digestion ceases, so that blood may be diverted to the muscles and brain, where it is needed most. The stomach may become flabby and give a sinking feeling. Gastric juice secretion may increase and may be felt as a burning sensation in the pit of the stomach.

* Perspiration increases so that the body may cool down. This makes sense when we consider that fighting makes us feel very hot and that, without a cooling mechanism, out body temperature would rise steeply.

* The bowel and bladder muscles may become loose.

* The pupils dilate, so that more light enters and we can see in the dark.

* All senses are heightened, so that we can make swift decisions and take action.


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