Why Do We Get ‘Butterflies in the Stomach’ When Nervous?

When you're nervous, something magical happens in your body. Your brain sends a message to your stomach, and your stomach starts to feel like it has butterflies fluttering around inside. This is part of the same system that makes your heart race when you're scared, it's called the fight-or-flight response. It helps you be ready for action, even if it feels strange in your tummy!

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Examples

  1. You feel butterflies in your stomach before giving a speech at school.
  2. Your tummy flutters when you're about to ride a roller coaster for the first time.
  3. You get butterflies right before being called on in class.

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