The nervous system and endocrine system both use chemical messengers to signal cells, but each has a different transmission speed.

The portion of the brain that maintains the body’s internal balance (homeostasis). The hypothalamus is the link between the endocrine and nervous systems. The hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones, which stop and start the production of other hormones throughout the body.

The autonomic nervous system itself can be further subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic division of the ANS is involved in preparing the body for behaviour, particularly in response to stress, by activating the organs and the glands in the endocrine system.

What Does the Endocrine System Do? Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. This lets the hormones travel to cells in other parts of the body. The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our organs work, metabolism , and reproduction.

Your amygdala can respond to this stress as if it’s a physical threat to you. It can take control of your brain and trigger your fight-or-flight response. You can prevent or stop an amygdala hijack by breathing, slowing down, and trying to focus your thoughts. This allows your frontal cortex to regain control.

Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System to Decrease Anxiety

• Spend time in nature.
• Get a massage.
• Practice meditation.
• Deep abdominal breathing from the diaphragm.
• Repetitive prayer.
• Focus on a word that is soothing such as calm or peace.
• Play with animals or children.
• Practice yoga, chi kung, or tai chi.