Everyone has experienced the feelings associated with fear. The rapid heart pounding, shortness of breath, tunnel vision and the inability to move when our instincts tell us that we may be in danger. These physiological changes are referred to as an adrenal dump.
When we feel like we are being threatened our bodies enter into what is known as a fight or flight response. Instinctively we will react and experience an adrenal dump to allow us a better chance to escape a perceived danger either by confrontation or avoidance. There are two types of adrenaline our bodies release to help in each circumstance.
Flight Adrenaline (norepinephrine) is released to the blood stream under the stress of perceived danger. Such danger may be perceived under a non-dangerous situation, like giving a speech in front of a large crowd, in which you’re just anxious to get things right and not appear foolish. This gives your body strength and speed to flee from real danger.
Fight Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the one that gives your body speed, strength and ability to take more pain than usual while allowing you to focus on an actual threat. Remember that story of the super mother who lifted a car to save her child’s life? That’s epinephrine.
In order to take advantage of fear when in danger of being abducted or abused, you must be familiar with how your body reacts and make sure you allow it to function well by reducing stress, getting enough rest and eating right as these things may cause an adrenal fatigue. By not being fit and healthy, your body may not give you the adrenaline edge during a fight and may lessen your chances of being safe.
Remember in the cases of an attack, you should always fight back! If you prepare and train yourself to turn fear into fury you will greatly increase your chances of escaping an attacker. In order to do so:
- In a safe and controlled environment, expose yourself to things that cause you fear. Examine what happens to you internally and physically when your survival instincts sense danger. Try to gain control of that response.
- Understand the difference between perceived danger and real danger.
- Take care of your body by proper nutrition and exercise.
- You must believe that you are a survivor and condition your mind and body to believe it.
- Practice awareness skills and physical self-defense training in a reality based training setting.
By going through this process you will also develop more confidence, which manifests itself in your body language. This alone may protect you from many attacks, since predators are always looking for an easy target and someone who appears fearful and compliant.
