The nervous system is fascinating, it is the king of the body, the link between the brain and the rest of the system. On basic terms the nervous system works to bring information into the brain, move that information around the brain and transmit the brains response back out to the body. The power of the nervous system cannot be underestimated.
Within the human body, the nervous system is made up of two main component systems—the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) is formed from just the brain and the spinal cord and is the main control centre. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is formed from thousands of nerves that link the spinal cord (part of the CNS) to the skeletal muscles as well as to the sensory receptors.
The motor component is then subdivided again into the somatic nervous system (voluntary system) and the autonomic nervous system (involuntary system). The Autonomic nervous system is extremely important, and it is is further subdivided into what is known as the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest response).
The sympathetic nervous system is our life saving system, it comes into play when we are in perceived danger, in a stressful situation, our ancestors used it to escape from been eaten by a lion. Once danger is sensed by the brain it triggers what is known as a fight-or-flight response, providing the body with a burst of energy, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, releasing sugar into the bloodstream and directing blood flow away from activities such as digestion to enable more blood flow to be directed to our muscles, to run fast and escape from that lion. It also turns off or inhibits that other system, the parasympathetic system, the rest and digest response.
As the name suggests being ready to fight can be beneficial, in the right context. Unfortunately, today’s high paced living has caused many people to live in a state of fight and flight, turning on the system unnecessarily and leaving it on. This constant state of fight and flight can lead to long term illness, chronic stress, which can be a precursor for many other health related problems such as diabetes, cardiac related problems, and unexplained pain.
Research shows however that with a little “you” time, the fight and flight response can be inhibited allowing the rest and digest system to switch back on. Such “you” time activities scientifically proven to turn the tides of chronic stress include meditation, abdominal deep breathing, physical activity, massage, movement and confiding in someone close to you are all excellent ways in restoring balance between your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
Have a little think, which response is most prevalent in your daily life? Is this response beneficial to my health? Can I introduce some me time to help counterbalance if necessary?
Formulating Fitness 