Blushing when embarrassed, ashamed, angry or happy is a natural reaction of our body. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for this. It controls all processes that are not subject to our will and that we therefore cannot consciously control. These include primarily the so-called vital functions such as breathing, circulation, metabolism and water balance.
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Two nerve cords play a significant role in blushing: one is the driving sympathetic nervous system, the other is the calming parasympathetic nervous system. Both nerve cords normally balance each other out.
The parasympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for allowing our body to regenerate. For example, it controls sleep or digestion and elimination.
If we are in a stressful situation, the sympathetic nervous system is active. It puts us on alert, prepares us for flight or attack. The heart beats faster, blood pressure rises, adrenaline is released. The blood not only rushes more strongly into the muscles, but also into our brain and thus into our head. The result is: we turn red.
Blushing: Normal body reaction
Blushing is a normal reaction of the body and that’s exactly how you should deal with it – normally and without panic. But since you can’t hide your red head either, you should confidently allow it. The other people do not know for what reason you have become red. It could simply be excitement or anticipation. In addition, blushing is also often perceived as sympathetic.
If you can confidently accept your blush, you may also be better able to accept mocking comments.
Prevent blushing in the face
One tip on how to avoid blushing is: just do a relaxation exercise:
- Place your flat hand on the abdominal wall about two inches below the navel and breathe deeply in and out through your nose.
- While doing so, pay attention to your hand, which rises and falls significantly.
- Repeat the exercise several times a day to be able to avoid blushing.
