Flight Response (SNS Activation – Escape & Avoidance)

When your brain thinks running away is the best way to stay alive, that’s the flight response. It can show up as:

• Anxiety, panic, or feeling super worried

• Feeling like you always have to do something

• Working too hard, being perfect, or pleasing others to avoid things

• Leaving situations that feel uncomfortable

Here’s how to change how you see the flight response:

Instead of seeing it as fear, think of it as a way to find safety and move around.

• A healthy flight response lets you move away from bad situations and find better ones.

• Instead of running away because you’re scared, use that energy to travel, move your body (dance, run, explore), or think about new things.

Herbs that can help calm an overactive flight response:

• Ashwagandha - Reduces stress hormones and helps ground the energy

• Reishi Mushroom - Strengthens your emotional strength

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) - Helps with overthinking and makes it easier to think clearly