emotional arousal

Emotional arousal refers to the heightened state of alertness and physical response that occurs when experiencing strong feelings, such as excitement, fear, or anger. It involves activation of the nervous system, especially the autonomic nervous system, which prepares the body for action—speeding up the heart rate, increasing adrenaline, and heightening awareness. This state helps us respond quickly to important situations, but it can also influence our thoughts and behavior. Essentially, emotional arousal is the body's way of gearing up mentally and physically to handle emotional experiences.