Work happens in this state. The system is mildly stressed. The body is experienced is one of extreme discomfort, burning, itching, constriction or cramping, accompanied by rapid thoughts and changing emotions, shaking or trembling. This state is appropriate to extreme emotions, perhaps when fighting or fleeing, on a roller coaster, in some peak athletic performances, on a battlefield or in some other potentially explosive situation. Work happens in this state.
Rest is very difficult.
The nervous system is strongly stressed. The body experience is a feeling of heaviness or fatigue, perhaps sensations of hot and cold at once, coolness, tingling numbness, shaking or trembling. This state is appropriate to a threatening situation when the best solution might be to be passive, so an attacker might be less aggressive. If the mouse is still, the cat may become bored and leave. This state also is appropriate after a trauma when it is important to rest and gather one's energy for a sudden outburst.