Have you ever heard of the "rest and digest" or "feed and breed" system?

Both are informal descriptions of complex systems that can cause significant pain and frustration when poorly regulated.

Also known as the parasympathetic nervous system, it is a network of nerves that relaxes the body after periods of stress or danger. It is also responsible for running life-sustaining processes, such as digestion, when you feel safe and relaxed.

In the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the sympathetic nervous system, which helps our bodies activate their "fight-or-flight" response.

Your sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that helps your body activate its "fight-or-flight" response.

This system becomes more active when you're stressed, in danger, or physically active. For instance, a near-miss car accident, a sudden loud noise, or a confrontation can trigger the 'fight-or-flight' response. The effects include increased heart rate and improved breathing, enhanced eyesight, and slowed bodily processes such as digestion.