fight or flight [phrase]: the instinctive physiological response to a threatening situation, which readies one either to resist forcibly or to run away
kick into action [idiomatic phrase]: to start doing something quickly and effectively, especially something that you have been trained to do
crave [verb]: to want or yearn for greatly
carrot-and-stick [adjective]: characterized by the use of both reward and punishment to get cooperation
nurture [noun]: the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something
scared stiff [idiom]: very afraid or frightened
fearless [adjective]: brave; free from fear
instinctual survival response [noun phrase]: the process of a person or animal preventing itself from being harmed or killed; basic behavior in most living things
adrenaline rush [noun]: a physical feeling of intense excitement and stimulation caused by the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands
bury [verb]: to put or hide underground or to completely cover; to cause to disappear or become inconspicuous
put on a brave face [idiom]: to try to appear brave or calm
jumpy [adjective]: (of a person) anxious and uneasy; nervous
inherently [adverb]: in a permanent, essential, or characteristic way
innate [adjective]: inborn; natural
red alert [noun]: a warning that there is great danger
hair-raising [adjective]: causing terror, excitement, or astonishment