Neurotransmitters are the natural brain chemicals that underlie our moods, emotions, and energy level. They are the natural stimulants that drive us and also play a major role in the stress response. Some of the chemicals produced by our bodies serve as natural stimulants. That’s how we’re able to pull an all-nighter or get the driveway shoveled after the first big snow. When we feel invigorated, these natural stimulants have kicked in.
The chemicals in the brain that serve as accelerators to our mood and energy level are described as excitatory neurotransmitters. This chemistry—which includes epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (or noradrenaline)—comes into play when we’re under stress and need to speed up our performance or respond to an emergency. Our bodies produce these natural stimulants to help us focus and give us the drive to respond to the task at hand. This same chemistry is present in all mammals and is evident whenever they are experiencing the “fight, flight, or freeze” response.