🌿 Why Do I Overreact to Small Things?

Cashmeira Henderson
Sep 2
2 min read

Have you ever snapped at your kids over a spilled cup of juice? Or felt your chest tighten because of a comment that seemed tiny—but sent you spiraling?

And then, the guilt hits: “Why can’t I just calm down? Why am I so sensitive?”

If this is you, you’re not alone. And the truth is: you’re not broken—you’re human.

🧠 The Science Behind Overreaction

When your brain perceives a threat—real or imagined—it activates your amygdala, the alarm center.

This sets off a chain reaction:⚡ Your heart races.⚡ Stress hormones flood your body.⚡ Logic takes a back seat.

This is called an amygdala hijack—where your nervous system reacts faster than your reasoning brain can respond.

And here’s the kicker: when you’ve lived through stress or trauma, your alarm system can become extra sensitive. What feels small to others might feel huge to you—because your body is trained to expect danger.

📖 What Scripture Says

The Bible is not silent about strong emotions. In fact, it speaks directly to them:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” — James 1:19–20
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” — Proverbs 16:32
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

Notice something? God doesn’t shame emotions. He calls us to slow them down—to create space between the trigger and the response.

That “space” is what neuroscience calls regulation.

✨ A Gentle Reset You Can Try

The next time you feel yourself about to overreact, pause and try this:

Breathe: Inhale deeply for 4 counts, exhale slowly for 6 counts.
Name the Feeling: Say to yourself, “This is my alarm, not my enemy.”
Invite God In: Whisper, “Lord, help me be slow to anger and quick to listen.” (James 1:19)
Respond, Don’t React: Give yourself permission to wait 60 seconds before answering.

This doesn’t erase emotion. It retrains your body to pair God’s truth with your brain’s reaction.

💜 You’re Not Overreacting—You’re Overloaded

Small things often feel big when your nervous system is carrying too much. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to live in guilt or shame.

God is patient with you—and He will teach you to be patient with yourself.

The next time you feel like you “overreacted,” remember this: 👉 It’s not a sign of weak faith. 👉 It’s a sign your body is asking for shepherding. 👉 And God is near—even in the moments you wish you had done better.

Pause. Breathe. Reflect.