The Sympathetic Nervous System: Building Awareness of Its Purpose

Preparing Your Beautiful Body for Survival

Your sympathetic nervous system is a component of your body’s response to stress and danger.

However, if you chronically live in this state it takes its toll on your physical body.

Resulting in a hyperactive state that is challenging to manage due to the cycle it creates, leading to anxiety.

We examine what its purpose is to help you create your sustainable calming box foundation by being aware that it is something we need. It has a purpose as long as we manage and notice how it shows up.

Perhaps we can learn to appreciate it.

Your sympathetic nervous system prepares us for action, commonly known as the “fight or flight” response. When activated, it initiates a cascade of physiological changes essential for your survival. It feels strong because of the survival component that comes in.

One of the key effects of sympathetic activation is the release of stress chemicals, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, from the adrenal glands located atop the kidneys. These chemicals act as messengers, energizing the body for the impending battle or escape from a threat.

The heart and blood vessels undergo changes. The heart beats harder and faster, pumping oxygenated blood to muscles, particularly the large muscle groups like the legs, which are vital for fleeing or confronting danger. This shift in blood flow results in reduced circulation to the skin, fingers, and toes, causing tingling sensations.

Your breathing patterns are altered, with increased speed and depth of respiration. This heightened breathing is necessary to deliver more oxygen to tissues preparing for action. 

Excessive breathing leads to breathlessness, chest tightness, and dizziness due to reduced blood supply to the head.

The digestive system takes a backseat during sympathetic activation. With energy redirected to other systems, saliva and digestive juices decrease, resulting in a dry mouth, nausea, and stomach discomfort. Digestive functions, including bowel movements, slow down or halt temporarily.

In order for your body to function effectively, your nervous system needs to be working properly.

Your sympathetic nervous system cannot remain activated indefinitely. If you do not train and practice cultivating your parasympathetic nervous system. 

Your nervous system is responsible for helping your brain communicate with your body and helping your body communicate with your brain. Unfortunately, today’s fast-paced world can sometimes affect our SNS (sympathetic nervous system).We will explore in another blog the role and purpose of your parasympathetic nervous system is to keep you physically and emotionally healthy. Building your calming box sustainable foundation by bringing awareness so you can shift patterns that do not serve you.