5 Signs Your Nervous System Is Stuck in Fight or Flight

Tukiran King | Heal Thy Being Integrative Wellness

Do you feel constantly on edge, even when life seems “fine”?

If so, you’re not imagining it.

Many people today live with a nervous system that’s stuck in fight or flight mode, also known as a sympathetic stress response. This can happen when daily pressures, past experiences, and physical or emotional stress build up over time.

At Heal Thy Being, we often hear practice members describe feeling tense, restless, or like they just can’t relax, even when they want to.

Here are some common signs your nervous system may be working overtime to protect you.

1. Racing Thoughts or Overthinking

When the nervous system is in fight or flight, it keeps the mind alert, sometimes too alert.

You might notice:

• Your thoughts racing at bedtime

• Difficulty focusing on simple tasks

• Constantly planning for “what if” scenarios

This is a protective response. The mind tries to anticipate danger, even when there isn’t any real threat.

2. Jaw, Neck, or Shoulder Tension

Physical tension often builds up in areas like the jaw, neck, or shoulders.

Why? When the body prepares to fight or flee, it tightens muscles to be ready for action. Over time, this constant tension can lead to discomfort, headaches, or a feeling of being “braced” all the time.

3. Digestive Discomfort

Stress reroutes the body’s energy away from digestion so it can prioritise survival.

This can lead to:

• Bloating

• Irregular bowel movements

• General digestive discomfort

Even people who eat a healthy diet may notice gut issues when their nervous system is dysregulated.

4. Difficulty Relaxing or Falling Asleep

Even when you feel exhausted, it might be hard to fully relax or fall asleep.

That’s because the body stays hyper-alert, ready to respond to perceived threats, whether it’s a looming work deadline or just the usual pressures of daily life.

5. Irritability or Feeling Snappy

Small things can feel overwhelming or frustrating.

This isn’t a character flaw. When the nervous system is in fight or flight, it becomes more reactive. Emotional regulation becomes harder, even for the most patient person.

Why Does This Happen?

Your body is designed to protect you from danger. Fight or flight responses are normal and helpful in short bursts.

But when your system stays stuck in this mode, it can affect your digestion, mood, sleep, and relationships.

The Good News: Your Nervous System Can Shift

Your body isn’t broken, it’s doing its best to help you survive.

With the right support, the nervous system can:

• Learn new patterns

• Re-establish a sense of safety

• Return to calm, clear, and connected states

At Heal Thy Being, we offer gentle, nervous system-focused care to support this natural process. Our approach helps practice members reconnect with their body’s innate ability to regulate and adapt.

Ready to Move Beyond Survival Mode?

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in fight or flight and want to explore a gentler path to healing, we’re here to support you.

📍 Visit us at Heal Thy Being Integrative Wellness.

Learn more or book a consultation at www.healthybeing.au Located in Abbotsford

References

1. Schneider, M., & Schwerdtfeger, A. (2020). Autonomic dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder indexed by heart rate variability: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 603. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00603(news-medical.net)

2. Kop, W. J., Synowski, S. J., Newell, M. E., Schmidt, L. A., Waldstein, S. R., & Fox, N. A. (2011). Autonomic nervous system reactivity to positive and negative mood induction: The role of acute psychological responses and frontal electrocortical activity. Biological Psychology, 86(3), 230–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2010.12.006(news-medical.net)

3. Sgoifo, A., Carnevali, L., Pico-Alfonso, M. A., & Amore, M. (2015). Autonomic dysfunction and heart rate variability in depression. Stress, 18(3), 343–352. https://doi.org/10.3109/10253890.2015.1045868(news-medical.net)

4. Godoy, L. D., Rossignoli, M. T., Delfino-Pereira, P., Garcia-Cairasco, N., & de Lima Umeoka, E. H. (2018). A comprehensive overview on stress neurobiology: Basic concepts and clinical implications. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12, 127. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00127(news-medical.net)