People rush to work, school, meetings and so many other social gatherings all the time, however they don't realise that this rush might be causing them more harm than they know. It is not just about the increased heart rate or clothes dripping of sweat. We think we’re just in a hurry, but according to neuroscientist Emily McDonald, a neuroscience researcher currently pursuing her PhD in Neuroscience at University of Arizona, also known as @emontheserver on Instagram, what’s actually happening is far deeper: our brains are in survival mode.
Various hormones are part of our body’s natural alarm system. They’re designed to help us survive danger, not handle a busy morning. When they flood our system, McDonald says, “the prefrontal cortex, which is the logical part of your brain responsible for decision-making and focus, begins to shut down.”
That’s why you start making mistakes. “When you rush, your brain shifts from thinking and planning to reacting, which takes you out of your power as the creator of your life,” she explains.
According to the American Brain Foundation, stress is a natural response that helps the body prepare for challenges, but when it continues for too long, it starts to do more harm than good. In small bursts, stress sharpens focus and increases blood flow to help people respond quickly to situations. However, prolonged stress can interfere with concentration, affect emotional balance, and make decision-making more difficult.1
McDonald describes the cost of living in survival mode. “It’s not worth the nervous system dysregulation,” she says, “because when you’re constantly in fight-or-flight, it is really difficult to rewire your brain and create a new reality.”
She adds that stress changes the way the heart and brain communicate. “Chronic stress lowers heart rate variability,” McDonald explains, “which is directly linked to your ability to access your intuition and make aligned decisions.”
A regulated nervous system allows the mind to slow down and choose with intention. Constant stress takes that away.
According to Harvard Health the adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol, two hormones that help the body prepare for action. The heart beats faster, muscles tighten, breathing speeds up, and blood sugar levels rise to provide quick energy. 2
For short periods, this stress response can help someone stay alert and focused. But when the body stays in this state for too long, it begins to wear down. Over time, chronic stress can damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure, alter brain function, and increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and addiction. 2
McDonald believes so. “Personally, I’d rather be five minutes late and stable than on time and completely dysregulated and out of the present moment.”
For her, choosing calm over speed is not a lack of discipline. It is a conscious decision to protect the nervous system.
McDonald ends her reflection with a reminder. “It’s all in divine timing anyways.”
Her message encourages people to redefine success. Slowing down does not mean falling behind. It means allowing the nervous system to guide the pace.
References:
1. American Brain Foundation. “The Brain and Stress.” American Brain Foundation, May 12, 2025. https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/the-brain-and-stress/.
2. Harvard Health Publishing. “Understanding the Stress Response.” Harvard Health, July 6, 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)
