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Adrenaline - Your "Power Surge"


Woman Spinning Elbow Strike

Adrenaline is a hormone triggered by fear and the presence of danger, real or imagined.


Once stimulated, adrenaline is released into the blood stream dilating blood vessels and air passages.


Physically, the body is able to pass more blood to the muscles and get more oxygen into the lungs, increasing speed and strength for short bursts of time.


Adrenaline is like the fuel for our inner fire - Unknown

You may experience one or more of the following as a result of an adrenaline power surge:


  • Increased heart rate


  • Elevated blood pressure


  • Increased respiratory rate


  • Time distortion - in most cases you feel as though you are in slow motion.


  • Tunnel vision - you only see what is in front of you and not what is around you.


  • Altered depth perception - things may appear closer or larger than they are.


  • Auditory exclusion - loss of hearing - you may filter out unimportant external noises.


  • Diminished fine motor skills - once your heart rate exceeds 145 bpm your ability to make small muscle movements, usually in your hands is diminished.


  • Increased pain tolerance


  • Difficulty in thinking clearly



Your first response to danger normally happens without the effect of adrenaline because it takes a second or two for an adrenaline surge to kick in.


Your initial reaction to danger is based on your mindset, personality, the situation and how you normally react under stress, without adrenaline.


Woman Elbow Strike

Once adrenaline kicks-in, it will strengthen your initial reaction.


Example:  If you are running, you may run faster.


You now know that adrenaline is physically triggered by the emotion fear.  Fear is a natural response and your warning sign to potential danger.


Allow fear to remind you that within a few seconds your body will release adrenaline, giving you the strength, speed and pain tolerance to appropriately handle the situation and escape from danger.


Woman Focused Without Fear

And then…replace fear with logic and knowledge.


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