Fear and Its Effect on Human Physiology
The events of this last year have been particularly fear provoking for many of our clients. I myself experienced fear early on in the pandemic. It has been a topic I have considered at length throughout this spring and summer. Although fear and its effects on our bodies have important physiological uses, chronic fear invariably leads to health issues.
The effect of fear on human physiology:
Blood is shunted away from our brains lessening our ability to reason. Many bad decisions are born out of fear.
Our eyesight narrows and we are unable to see the things on the periphery. We can only focus on what is right in front of us.
Saliva production shuts down which begins a cascade of negative events in our gastrointestinal tracts.
Chronic hyperventilation, which results in poor oxygenation to all tissues of the body, is a common side effect of chronic fear.
Diarrhea or constipation are often experienced side effects of fear exhibited in the bowels.
Frequent, incomplete urination is a common symptoms of fear manifesting in the bladder.
Fear is extremely taxing on our kidneys and adrenal glands. This stress raises cortisol at improper times of day resulting in poor sleep and poor energy in the morning and early afternoon.
Fear often leads to anger, which damages our emotional and energetic bodies.
Fear is very difficult on the human form. Recognizing that many things are beyond our control is a useful first step in moving past fear. We must step out of fear and into acceptance of the unknown.
I think it is wise if we have any of the above mentioned issues to look at fear and see if perhaps the root cause of our problems aren’t arising out of this dangerous emotion.
One of my favorite quotes of all times is as follows:
“You are a ghost driving a meat-covered skeleton, made of stardust, riding a rock, hurtling through space.”
Fear nothing.
Dr. Chris Chlebowski