By akademiotoelektronik, 29/12/2022

Invigorating or disturbing? The challenge of everyday emotions

Emotions are vital

But what exactly are we talking about? Dictionary definition: "Emotion is a disturbance, transient agitation, or intense affective state, characterized by a sudden physical and mental disturbance." These reactions should not be dangerous to humans. On the contrary, they are useful, even essential to its survival and that of the species. Since Darwin (1), we know that every being, human or animal, is born with an emotional equipment that he shares with his congeners and which allows him to act instinctively, to adapt to delicate situations. In other words, seeking to control our emotions at all costs can endanger our lives.

Since the age of the caves, fear has been a stimulant for those who know how to overcome it. It alerts us to dangers, directs blood to the legs, preparing for flight. Simultaneously, the body is paralyzed for a few moments, the time to decide whether it would be wise to hide or not. Anger has a bad reputation, it is associated with violence. Yet it releases a host of hormones, including adrenaline, that promote vigorous action for beneficial change. Moreover, it indicates that the limits of the acceptable have been reached and it can replace violence.

Sadness allows you to withdraw into yourself to do the grieving work necessary after a separation. “Tears contain about ten times more stress hormones than blood,” says neurophysiology researcher Marc Schwob. Crying is therefore the most natural way to express your pain. Joy, a natural euphoric and disinhibitor, stimulates the production of pleasure hormones and allows you to perform all the tasks that are incumbent on you with enthusiasm. It is a magnet: it attracts others to us and opens us up to sharing. Better still, we now admit that laughter has therapeutic virtues. Indeed, there is a link between immunity and emotions. Joy and pleasure strengthen the immune defenses. Fear, grief, pain and stress weaken them and make us less resistant to germs and viruses.

1- Quoted in “Psychology of emotions and feelings”, Jacques Cosnier, Retz, 1994.