The amygdala and it’s role in every day life

Ever feel like you’re constantly on edge, ready to fight or flee at a moment’s notice? That’s your amygdala at work. This tiny, almond-shaped part of your brain sits deep in the limbic system—the area responsible for emotions—and acts like your personal alarm system. Its job? To detect threats and trigger the fight-or-flight response, keeping you safe from danger.

Sounds great, right? The problem is, when the amygdala is overactive—thanks to chronic stress or anxiety—it keeps your body stuck in high-alert mode, even when there’s no real danger. That means a constant flood of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can mess with both your mind and body. You might feel anxious, irritable, or struggle to concentrate and sleep. Physically, your muscles stay tense, digestion slows down, and your immune system takes a hit—making you more prone to fatigue, illness, and even chronic health issues like high blood pressure or gut problems.

An overactive amygdala doesn’t just affect how you feel; it also influences your decisions and relationships. When your brain is in survival mode, it prioritizes quick, instinctual reactions over logical thinking. This can make you impulsive, emotionally reactive, and easily overwhelmed in everyday situations. Ever snapped at someone over something small or struggled to focus on tasks that require patience? Yep, that’s your amygdala in overdrive.

The good news? You can calm it down. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, meditation, kinesiology, and movement-based exercises can help reset your nervous system and bring you out of fight-or-flight mode. By consistently using relaxation techniques and creating a sense of safety, you can train your brain to handle stress in a healthier, more balanced way.