Everyone has “felt butterflies in their stomach.” It could be when making your first speech, attending an interview, or talking to your crush; it’s a common feeling. However, while we have all had the feeling, did you know there is a lot of mystery surrounding what causes it? Most people associate it with love, but this feeling can also occur in other scenarios that are not so pleasant. Today, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about butterflies in the stomach.
What Is Butterflies in the Stomach?
Starting with the definition, “butterflies in the stomach” is an idiomatic expression – there are no literal butterflies in your stomach. This phrase was coined in the early 1900s in a book titled “The House of Prayer” by Florence Converse and has stuck ever since.
It’s a feeling of nervousness experienced around the abdominal area, especially when anxious or nervous. These jitters are sometimes accompanied by sweaty hands, trembling, shaking, elevated heart rate, and shortness of breath.
Typical scenarios that may trigger this feeling include going on a first date with a crush or getting ready for an upcoming event. Most of the time, people feel butterflies when they are both nervous and excited.
Why Do People Feel Butterflies in Their Stomachs?
Scientists have researched this feeling and have come up with a few explanations. First, people feel butterflies in their stomachs due to a dopamine surge in the brain. Dopamine is popularly known as the feel-good chemical that people get when they are enjoying pleasurable activities such as singing, talking to a loved one, or even flirting.
Norepinephrine is the other hormone that contributes to this feeling, which is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. While acting as the neurotransmitter, it sends fight-or-flight feelings when someone is in a dangerous situation.
As a hormone, Norepinephrine is released during pleasurable moments, as discussed above. This is why people feel butterflies in their stomachs when in uncomfortable situations.
Why Do We Feel Butterflies in Our Stomachs?
If the hormones causing this feeling are produced in the brain, why then are the butterflies felt in the stomach? Scientists also have an explanation for that! There is something called the gut-brain connection. It’s what most people refer to as the “gut feeling”.
Several institutions, including the John Hopkins Medicine, allege that humans have a second brain in their guts. When someone feels stress or nervousness around their stomach, some intelligence is transmitted from the gut. This is a valid point because the digestive system has its nervous system. As such, communication can indeed come from the gut.
What Is The Relationship between Butterflies in the Stomach and Love?
Having understood the scientific causes of butterflies in the stomach, let’s look at their relationship to love. Many people are misled by the misconception that butterflies in the stomach mean love. However, that is not true. According to scientific research, hormonal changes happen when two people fall in love. However, after a year or two, the hormones return to normal. The feeling of butterflies in the stomach only occurs during the initial phases of a relationship.
Things such as the first date or first kiss makes you nervous, resulting in stress around the gut area. However, as you get used to that person, those feelings of butterflies in the stomach disappear gradually. On the contrary, butterflies in the stomach may signal lust and not love.
Is Butterflies in the Stomach a Good or Bad Thing?
Irrespective of the situation, butterflies in the stomach is a good thing. If you feel butterflies in your stomach before meeting a person, that could signal a potential romantic connection. It’s also an indication that you may be attracted to them.
On the other hand, a negative gut feeling can help you avoid a dangerous situation. No matter how clouded our minds may be, our bodies are keen on picking up non-verbal cues from others. So, if your gut feeling is warning you against meeting somebody, it’s best to avoid them.
There are instances when this feeling may require immediate medical attention. For example, extended discomfort in the stomach can be a sign of gastrointestinal issues. Also, it could be a reaction to an emotional or traumatic event like the death of a loved one. Therefore, such a feeling should never be ignored. Sometimes, a prolonged gut feeling could also indicate an anxiety disorder. If left untreated, all these conditions can lead to a low-quality life.
For people who struggle with this feeling regularly or want to appear more composed when talking to a crush, there are several ways it can be managed. Deep breaths will calm your nerves, and the feeling should instantly disappear. Going for a walk or distracting the mind can also shake off the feeling of butterflies in the stomach. Other techniques that can help manage this condition include treating anxiety disorders, practicing mindfulness and meditation. Talking to a friend also comes in handy.