Could Understanding Your Primal Brain Be The Key To Reducing Your Anxiety?
Hello, anxious creature. I’m glad you’re here.
Take a deep breath. Unclench your jaw.
I’ve been where you are and understand how debilitating an anxious mind can be. Whether it's the pressure of meeting deadlines, social expectations, or the constant influx of information, anxiety can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being.
But have you ever wondered why anxiety exists in the first place?
To understand this debilitating emotion, you need to understand your primal brain—the ancient, instinct-driven part of your mind that plays a significant role in the experience of anxiety.
Understanding this concept helped me peel the layers back on my own personal battle with anxiety and it is something I teach to all my clients in my 12-week program.
Why had no one taught me this before? The countless therapists, mentors, and teachers…anyway, that doesn’t matter. What matters is the information before you, so let’s dive in.
The Primal Brain: Our Evolutionary Past Isn’t As Distant As You Think
The human brain is a marvel of evolution, composed of various layers that have developed over millions of years.
At its core lies the primitive brain, often referred to as the reptilian brain or the primal brain. Personally, I like to call it the caveman or cavewoman (or cave they/them) brain— this helps my clients to separate this feeling from who they are at their core. And, it adds a humorous tone to an otherwise stressful discussion.
This portion of the brain includes structures like the brainstem and the limbic system, which house our most fundamental survival mechanisms and emotions, including anxiety.
The brain was designed to keep you alive and away (far away) from danger, so any time there is a perceived danger present the primal brain will send off a signal to encourage you to run in the other direction. This can look like anything from your Hinge date not texting you back for 3 hours, or your boss saying “we need to talk.”
The Fight-or-Flight Response: An Adaptive Mechanism
The essence of anxiety is intricately linked with the fight-or-flight response—a physiological and psychological reaction that occurs when our primal brain perceives a threat. In ancient times, when humans encountered physical dangers like predators, this response was crucial for survival. The brain would swiftly activate a cascade of reactions, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, sharpening focus, and preparing the body for action.
While the fight-or-flight response served us well in the wild (think: running from a ferocious beast) the challenges of the modern world have evolved beyond physical threats. However, our primal brain's response hasn't quite caught up with this shift.
So, while we are living in modern times, our ancient instincts are kicking in. A mismatch of stressful proportions.
Today's stressors, such as financial worries, social pressures, and work-related tensions, trigger the same physiological reactions as primal threats. So, your brain will misfire, sending you a plethora of thoughts that lead to the feeling of anxiety and can eventually lead to chronic anxiety. You can thank your ancient ancestors for that.
The Role of the Amygdala: Guardian of Threat Perception
Central to the primal brain's role in anxiety is the amygdala, an almond-shaped cluster of neurons within the limbic system. The amygdala plays a vital role in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. When it perceives a potential threat, it can set off a chain reaction that activates the fight-or-flight response, even if the threat isn't physical.
Coping in the Modern World
Understanding the primal brain's connection to anxiety can offer insights into managing and coping with the anxiety monster. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your anxiety:
Build Awareness: Recognizing that anxiety is a product of ancient survival mechanisms can provide perspective. It helps to remind ourselves that our brains are wired to react this way, even if the threat is abstract.
Practice Breathing and Mindfulness: Engaging in deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, countering the fight-or-flight response and reducing anxiety's impact.
Coaching or Therapy: Get help rewiring thought patterns, challenging irrational fears, and addressing the cognitive aspects of anxiety alongside a certified professional.
Prioritize Physical Activity: Exercise not only improves physical health but also releases endorphins that combat stress and anxiety. I’ve got a lil’ discount code for Class Pass for you if you want to kickstart your fitness routine.
Invest in Your Social Connections: Building strong social connections can provide a sense of safety and belonging, counteracting the primal brain's perception of isolation. You can’t put a price on friendship as they say…
Well, that’s all folks. Now you know that anxiety is a product of your ancient survival instincts. This blog is designed to showcase the intricate interplay between our evolutionary past and our modern lives. The primal brain's fight-or-flight response, while essential for survival in prehistoric times, can become a hindrance in today's complex world. By understanding this connection, you can develop strategies to manage and mitigate the impact of anxiety, allowing you to harness the power of our evolved minds to lead healthier, more balanced lives.
If you need support learning how to process your emotions, build mindfulness practice, and establish self-confidence, sign up for a free mini-session with me. No credit card required. Just bring your problems.
