Brains Wired for Survival

Have you ever gotten frustrated with your thought patterns and ways of thinking about what goes around you?

Oftentimes it jumps to the worst conclusion or assumes the worst-case scenario, doesn’t it?

Even when things seem to be going well, it might be still searching for things to be concerned about or to fix.

And of course, nothing is ever perfect for all the time. So your mind is always a winner when it comes to finding faults and tragedies in every single situation.

But why do our brains sometimes seem so focused on finding faults and potential dangers? Well, it turns out that our brains have evolved over thousands of years to help us survive in a dangerous world. It’s truly fascinating how our brain’s wiring has played a crucial role in our species’ survival.

In what ways have our brains evolved to keep us safe and sound?

The Age-Old “Fight or Flight” Response:
Picture this: you’re walking in the woods, and suddenly, you spot a wild creature lurking nearby. Your heart starts racing, your senses heighten, and you’re ready to run for your life. This incredible reaction is thanks to the “fight or flight” response, an innate survival mechanism that has been hardwired into our brains for ages. When we encounter a threat, our brains release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to help us respond quickly and effectively. It’s like an ancient alarm system that prepares us to confront a threat head-on or flee from danger. That’s why your brain is constantly scanning for potential threats.
We are not living in the case and among wild animals anymore, at least most of us, but a mistake at work can or negative feedback from our boss can just as much activate our Fight or Flight response as a wild animal.
Our Brain’s Sensory Superpower:
Imagine standing alone in a dimly lit forest. Your ears are finely tuned to every rustle and crackle, and your eyes scan the surroundings for any signs of movement. This heightened sensory processing is another incredible way our brains are wired for survival. Research has shown that this ability to process sensory information quickly and effectively is a key aspect of our survival. Our brains are like vigilant sentinels, on the lookout for potential threats, allowing us to react promptly to any looming danger.
The Mysterious Amygdala:
Now, let’s shine a spotlight on one of the brain’s most mysterious players – the amygdala. This small but mighty almond-shaped structure located deep within our brain is an emotional powerhouse. The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. When a potential threat is detected, the amygdala sounds the alarm, setting off a chain reaction of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This process primes us to respond rapidly to perceived danger, keeping us safe from harm. It’s like having an internal protector that keeps us on guard against potential hazards.

In conclusion, looking at the workings of our survival-wired brains, we can’t help but marvel at the wisdom of evolution. However, in our modern world, this ancient wiring can sometimes lead to overreactions or needless anxiety.
Understanding these survival mechanisms gives us valuable insights into how our brains work, and not get trapped in self-torturing questions such as:

“what is wrong with me?”

“Why am I feeling this way?”

“Why do I always ruin everything?”

Growing awareness of these internal processes and thought patterns, and cultivating a mindful and self-compassionate approach help us harness the power of our survival mechanisms for a balanced, purposeful, and fearless existence.

Ready to break free from the chains of overthinking and needless anxiety?
Book your free Transformation Roadmap Call now and embark on a journey towards a balanced, purposeful, and fearless existence. Don’t let survival-wired instincts hold you back. Take the first step towards a brighter future today!

References

Cannon, W. B. (1932). The Wisdom of the Body. W. W. Norton & Company.
Lazarus, R. S. (1966). Psychological stress and the coping process. McGraw-Hill.
LeDoux, J. E. (1996). The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life. Simon & Schuster.
Adolphs, R. (2010). What does the amygdala contribute to social cognition? Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1191(1).
Phelps, E. A., & LeDoux, J. E. (2005). Contributions of the amygdala to emotion processing: From animal models to human behavior. Neuron, 48(2).