Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Systems
The autonomic nervous system has two modes that work like opposite switches in your body. Understanding these will help you make sense of how your body responds to different situations.
The sympathetic nervous system is your body's alarm system - it kicks in when you need to react quickly to danger or stress. It increases your heart rate, makes you breathe faster, dilates your pupils, and even stops digestion so all your energy can focus on the threat. This is your classic fight or flight response.
The parasympathetic nervous system is your body's chill-out mode. Once the danger passes, it decreases your heart rate, slows your breathing, constricts your pupils, and gets your digestion working again. It's all about returning you to that calm, resting state where your body can repair and maintain itself.
Easy Memory Trick: Sympathetic = stressed and speedy; Parasympathetic = peaceful and resting.