THE CLIMB

Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s a new job, a major move, or an exciting opportunity on the horizon, our body’s response to change is complex, often stirring up emotions that range from excitement to anxiety. Behind the scenes, our brain’s limbic system is the engine that drives much of this emotional and physical response. The limbic system, which includes structures like the amygdala and the hippocampus, is responsible for processing emotions, memories, and our physiological reaction to stress.

What many people don’t realize is that the limbic system doesn’t distinguish between different types of stress—whether it’s positive (like excitement) or negative (like anxiety). This lack of differentiation can lead to a heightened sense of anticipation, whether we’re gearing up for something thrilling or bracing for something potentially challenging. Let’s explore how this works and look at a story from a client who experienced excitement as their body’s way of preparing for positive change.

The Limbic System and the Anticipation of Change

The limbic system is a set of structures in the brain that includes the amygdala, the hippocampus, and parts of the thalamus and hypothalamus. These areas are crucial for processing emotions, storing memories, and regulating our fight-or-flight response.

When we are anticipating a significant change—whether it’s something we’re looking forward to or something that feels daunting—the limbic system becomes activated. The amygdala, in particular, plays a key role by detecting potential threats and triggering a cascade of physiological responses that prepare us to face the upcoming event.

But here’s the kicker: The limbic system doesn’t have a “good stress” versus “bad stress” filter. It doesn’t distinguish between anxiety about an upcoming presentation and excitement about a long-awaited vacation. Both types of anticipation trigger the same physiological response: an increase in heart rate, heightened alertness, and the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

In this way, the limbic system is like a highly sensitive alarm system that reacts to any type of change by getting the body ready for action—whether that action involves protecting us from a perceived threat or helping us channel our energy into a new and exciting opportunity.

Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: The Body’s Indifference

Most people are familiar with the term “stress” in a negative context. We feel stressed when deadlines pile up, when we have a conflict with a loved one, or when we face an unexpected challenge. But there’s also such a thing as “good stress,” also known as eustress, which occurs when we are excited about something that is positive but still demanding.

Good stress is what we feel when we are about to embark on a new adventure, launch a project we’re passionate about, or start a new relationship. The anticipation of these positive events can stir up the same physiological responses as negative stress: racing heart, sweaty palms, butterflies in the stomach. This is because the body doesn’t differentiate between the two types of stress.

Our limbic system interprets any significant change as a potential challenge, even if that change is something we deeply desire or look forward to. The same systems that prepare us to fight or flee in the face of danger also prepare us to rise to the occasion when we’re excited about a new opportunity.

This explains why people often feel “nervous-excited” before a big life event, such as starting a new job, getting married, or moving to a new city. The anticipation and excitement activate the same limbic system pathways that are responsible for anxiety and fear. This can sometimes lead to mixed emotions, where excitement and nervousness coexist.

A Story of Excitement and Limbic System Activation

Let’s look at a story that illustrates how the limbic system reacts to excitement. Sarah (not her real name) was a client who had recently been offered her dream job. It was a position she had worked hard to secure, and it represented a major leap forward in her career. Sarah was overjoyed about the opportunity, but as the start date approached, she began to notice physical symptoms that she hadn’t expected: difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, and a nagging sense of restlessness.

During our sessions, Sarah expressed confusion. “I thought I would feel happy and relaxed once I got the job,” she said. “But instead, I’m feeling jittery, like I’m about to jump out of my skin.”

What Sarah was experiencing was her limbic system’s activation in response to the upcoming change. Even though this was a positive event in her life, her body was still responding as though she were preparing for a challenge. The excitement and anticipation triggered the release of cortisol and adrenaline, leading to the same physiological responses she might have experienced had she been anxious or stressed about something negative.

In therapy, we worked on reframing these feelings. Rather than seeing her body’s response as a sign of anxiety or worry, Sarah began to understand it as her limbic system’s way of gearing up for the exciting changes ahead. By recognizing that her body was simply preparing her for action, Sarah was able to channel her heightened energy into productive preparation for her new role.

Over time, Sarah learned to embrace her body’s response to excitement as a natural part of the process. She incorporated mindfulness techniques to help calm her nervous system and focused on the positive aspects of the change rather than letting the physical symptoms of excitement overwhelm her. This approach helped her navigate the transition into her new job with confidence and a greater sense of self-awareness.

Learning to Embrace the Body’s Response to Change

Understanding how the limbic system activates in response to change—whether positive or negative—can help us navigate life transitions with greater ease. While the body’s response to excitement can sometimes feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that this is a natural part of the process.

Rather than trying to suppress the body’s reactions, we can learn to work with them, using techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and cognitive reframing to channel our energy in productive ways. By doing so, we can harness the power of our limbic system to help us embrace change, rather than resist it. Whether the change ahead is a thrilling opportunity or a daunting challenge, the key is to acknowledge and honor the body’s response, knowing that it’s all part of the process of growth and transformation.

Next Steps

At The Pursuit, a group of experienced therapists have come together to offer best-in-class counseling services. We prioritize clinical theory, non-judgmental approaches, and effective interventions, treatment plans, and coping skills. We have therapists who specialize in different areas and we strive to find the best match for your unique needs. Are you ready to take the first step in your Pursuit towards a happier, healthier you? We invite you to book your free 20-minute consultation with one of our skilled therapists. Don’t wait; it’s time to invest in your well-being. Simply Book Now to start your Pursuit toward personal growth and positive change today. Keep reading if you want to learn more about Life Transitions.