We use our gut instinct way more than we think. Every day, we choose to do (or not do something) based on this primal urge. But in some cases, we ignore it…why? To keep others happy? To fit in? News flash: listening to your “gut” can save your life!
Why Instinct Is Important
Gut instincts are a survival mechanism that we have acquired over many generations. Survival instincts help us sense danger and respond to it accordingly. Gut instinct is also based on our own past experiences. Our brain records these experiences, and then when something reminiscent to these events happens again—we react to it in a similar way. Almost like an internal instruction manual for life.
Fight or Flight
The human body and brain work together to trigger our “fight or flight” response. Fight or Flight is a stimulus that has evolved in humans over time in response to various threats like animal attacks or natural disasters. Many of the daily experiences we have are not direct threats, but our bodies will respond to them with the same energy.
Here’s how it works—our brain interprets something we see, sense, or hear as a threat and it sends a signal to our central nervous system. Our adrenal glands release hormones like cortisol or epinephrine, they flood our bodies and prepare us for “war”.
That first signal our brain receives often comes from instinct.
When to Listen to Your Instincts
As you know, instincts are not something that you only get when in extreme situations. We get these pangs of fright daily, and even during mundane situations. Often, these pangs turn to anxiety and fear. But when should you listen to this voice and feeling?
My Instincts Saved Me
I have had good instincts since I was young but one time in particular, they potentially saved my life…
When I was young and broke, I lived in the city in a charming little apartment inside an old Victorian home. One night, just after getting home from work, I felt like I was being watched. My cat, acting a bit strange, started making bird-like noises at the window.
I looked outside—and saw a man staring back at me. My instincts (and my cat) had been warning me the whole time. Luckily, my friends showed up quickly, but that night left a lasting impact. If you’re curious about what happened next, check out How to Care for Your Mental Health After an Attack.
Your environment, pets, and other subtle changes can tell you just as much as your gut—so stay aware.
Which Situations Warrant a Reaction?
You may be wondering when to listen to that voice. Here are some important situations where your gut instinct is king!
Personal Safety
Keep yourself safe, that’s the first rule of personal safety(duh). For example: if you’re walking alone and feel unnerved, get to a safe area. If someone is following you—do the same. Listen to any bad vibes you feel about someone, there’s a reason you’re feeling this way.
Relationship Instinct
If you feel that a friend or partner isn’t treating you right, discontinue your union. If you’re on a date and you feel uncomfortable, don’t leave with this person. Maybe you think that your partner is cheating on you, honor those feelings and look into it. It’s simple—hunches are sometimes reality.
Your Health
If you wake up one day and something doesn’t feel right in your body (short of breath, vomiting, bleeding) or you’re having severe pain: go see a doctor. If you are overly anxious or depressed, and your mental health is declining, honor those feelings and see a doctor or therapist to sort it out.
Job Offers & Instinct
If a business opportunity or job offer is giving you “the sketches,” or a bad feeling, it’s probably a ruse of some sort. Avoid making slap decisions about your money or your career until you have done the proper research.
Parental Instinct
Ohhh, parenting will set off your instincts more than anything you have ever done in your life! You will be feeling and seeing dangers that could impact your child from a mile away, and you should heed those warnings. You’re in charge of a life, and being too safe is better than being really sorry.
Unfamiliar Territory
Listen to your instincts when you travel. Ignore the voice telling you to be nice and humor people trying to sell you things. Don’t ignore the voice telling you that something is off in a new area. You need to have your wits about you when you’re in areas that are unfamiliar to you.
Emergencies/Natural Disasters
During an emergency or natural disaster, honor your instinct above all the noise. Think before you act, and stay calm. Sometimes before a disaster hits, you may have the instinct to leave the area, if it’s safe to do so–get out and take your loved ones with you!
Instinct: Friend or Foe?
Your instinct is definitely your friend. Every day, it helps you make decisions based on past experience, and detect dangers. Instinct plays a role in the biological response honed by our ancestors through years of pain, love, and strife. Live your life out loud, but don’t disregard your fight or flight instinct.
Be aware, and stay safe!
Found this article useful? please share it with your friends!
And to stay up to date with our latest content, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook!
