When you feel anxious, reactive, or just overwhelmed, it can sometimes feel like your mind is working against you. But actually, there’s a part of your brain that’s working really hard… trying to protect you.

That’s your primitive brain.

Let’s take a moment to understand what this part of your brain does - and why it’s so important.

What Is the Primitive Brain?

Your primitive brain is the oldest part of your brain - sometimes called the “reptilian brain” or “survival brain.” It looks after the basics, like your heartbeat and breathing, but it’s also in charge of your fight, flight, or freeze responses.

Its main job? To keep you alive.

It’s constantly scanning your world for threats, often before your conscious mind even realises what’s going on.

How the Primitive Brain Protects You

Back in ancient times, survival depended on reacting quickly to threats - predators, danger to your tribe, that kind of thing.

Your primitive brain developed super-fast, automatic responses to keep you safe:

Anxiety makes you alert and watchful
Anger prepares you to defend yourself
Fear triggers escape or freeze

These reactions happen in an instant, often without you even realising. And that’s because, back then, speed could literally mean the difference between life and death.

Why Your Primitive Brain Can Feel Overactive Today

Life today looks very different from the wild environments our brains evolved in. But your primitive brain doesn’t know that.

It can still react to things like:

Stressful emails
Feeling judged, criticised, or excluded
Pressure to perform

…almost as if your survival were at stake.

When this “threat mode” is switched on constantly, your body floods with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, that can leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, or on edge.

What Happens When the Primitive Brain Takes Over

When your primitive brain is in charge, your thinking brain (the prefrontal cortex) takes a back seat. You might notice yourself:

Reacting without thinking
Feeling overwhelmed or stuck
Struggling to regulate your emotions
Finding it hard to relax or trust others

This isn’t a flaw. It’s your brain doing exactly what it’s designed to do, keep you safe, even when it’s not really necessary.

How to Calm Your Primitive Brain

The really good news? Your nervous system can learn to relax and feel safe again. Some ways to help your primitive brain settle include:

Deep, slow breathing
Gentle movement, like walking or yoga
Spending time in nature
Connecting with people who make you feel safe
Using Solution Focused Hypnotherapy to create calm, focused states

These practices send a clear message to your primitive brain: “You’re safe now. You don’t have to be on high alert.”

Your Primitive Brain Is Working for You

Remember, your primitive brain isn’t your enemy. It’s a powerful protector, a part of you that’s been keeping you safe since day one.

With patience, kindness, and support, you can help it relax—and make space for the calmer, wiser parts of your brain to guide you.

Trancespire Hypnotherapy is based in Llangorse, near Brecon, Hay-On-Wye and Crickhowell - and available online UK-wide.
If you’re ready to feel calmer and more in control, I’d love to help.
👉 Book a free initial consultation

Your Primitive Brain: The Part of You That’s Wired to Keep You Safe