For decades, the “fight or flight” response has been the go-to phrase to describe the body’s instinctual reaction to stress and danger. Coined in the early 20th century by physiologist Walter Cannon, the term represents the automatic responses we have when facing a threat: to either confront it head-on (fight) or flee to safety (flight). But is this binary perspective on survival too simplistic? Many experts now argue that it’s not just about choosing one or the other—rather, we can experience both “fight and flight” within the same scenario.

1. Understanding the Fight and Flight Dynamic

The idea that we must either fight or run overlooks the fluid and complex nature of how humans react to danger. In reality, our bodies can toggle between the two responses or even engage in both simultaneously. It’s a matter of survival, not a simple either-or situation. For example, during a threatening encounter, you may initially react with a defensive posture (fight) but quickly shift to retreating when the odds of winning seem low (flight).

This fluidity is crucial for adaptive survival. Rather than being locked into a rigid choice, our brains and bodies can adjust moment-to-moment, balancing between confrontation and avoidance based on what will most likely lead to safety.

2. Physiological Changes That Prepare You for Both

The fight and flight response is supported by our body’s physiological changes in the face of stress. When danger strikes, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, flooding the body with adrenaline and cortisol. This sudden surge sharpens your focus, heightens your senses, and prepares your muscles for action, whether that action is fighting or running away. Your heart rate increases, your breathing quickens, and glucose is released for energy. These changes aren’t limited to one type of response—they prime you to do whatever it takes to survive.

The body doesn’t differentiate between actions like running or throwing a punch—it simply prepares for intense physical exertion. This flexibility is what makes the response more accurately described as “fight and flight.”

3. Why a Blended Response is Common

In the face of a threat, humans often engage in a combination of fighting and fleeing. For instance, in the case of a person defending themselves from an assailant, the initial response might involve an act of defense—striking back or blocking a hit (fight)—but as soon as an opening is available, they may retreat to escape danger (flight). This pattern of behavior is often seen in nature as well, where animals will fight to gain an advantage and then flee once the opportunity presents itself.

In this way, survival isn’t a matter of simply choosing one strategy over another. Often, it’s about using both in tandem. The fight and flight response allows you to adapt quickly, switching tactics as the situation evolves.

4. The Role of Fear and Courage

Fear, often considered the trigger for flight, can simultaneously fuel fighting instincts. In high-stakes scenarios, fear doesn’t just encourage escape—it can also push individuals to fight harder or more strategically. This means that the presence of fear doesn’t automatically signal flight, but rather the opportunity for a more varied and dynamic approach.

On the other hand, courage is often linked to the fight response, but courage can manifest in running away to live another day. It takes as much bravery to retreat from an unwinnable fight as it does to stand your ground, highlighting that fight and flight aren’t opposites—they are complementary reactions based on what the situation demands.

5. The Freeze Response and the Importance of Adaptation

Adding to this conversation is the often overlooked “freeze” response, where an individual becomes immobilized by shock or fear. Freezing can be a precursor to both fighting and fleeing, as it allows you to evaluate your surroundings before choosing the best course of action. This reinforces the idea that the human stress response is far more adaptive than a simple fight or flight. You may initially freeze, then prepare for action by fighting or fleeing—or a combination of both.

6. Modern Stress and the Fight and Flight Response

In today’s world, physical confrontations with predators may be rare, but the fight and flight response remains relevant in dealing with modern stressors. In situations like work conflicts, financial problems, or social anxiety, the instinct to fight may be manifest in assertive confrontation, while the urge to flee could involve avoiding a stressful situation altogether.

The balance between these two impulses becomes essential in the modern context. For example, standing up for yourself in a difficult conversation may require both fighting (asserting your boundaries) and fleeing (removing yourself from the toxic environment afterward). In this sense, understanding the “fight and flight” as an integrated process helps you adapt to everyday stress.

7. Conclusion: The Power of Flexibility

The fight and flight response better captures the complexity of human survival mechanisms. Rather than viewing stress reactions as an either-or choice, it’s more accurate to acknowledge that people often engage in a blend of both responses. This ability to shift dynamically between confrontation and retreat is what has made us adaptable and resilient in the face of danger throughout evolution.

By recognizing this flexibility, you gain a deeper understanding of how to respond to stress in a balanced way—knowing that sometimes, fighting and fleeing are equally valid and effective strategies for survival.