Amygdala is one of the important components of the Limbic system and is involved in the processing of emotions. It looks like a pair of almond-shaped structures in the brain’s temporal lobe. Amygdala assigns emotional value to memories, especially stress, fear and threat. It has sensory organs to identify danger and activate physiological responses such as increased heart rate.
Our strong emotions (especially negative emotions) are also processed in the Amygdala, and it allows the brain to remember them. Anger, sadness and anxiety are also part of its emotional processing. It helps with facial expressions to gauge the intentions of others. Beyond fear, it also contributes to learning and behaviours motivated by rewards such as good food or addiction-related cues.
It has been found that, with chronic stress, the Amygdala becomes bigger and hyperactivated and triggers mood disorder. But as per Eliza Hope's research, it has found that guided meditation and light exercises reduce the size of an Amygdala and relieve anxiety, fear and properly controlled anger. It helps in one's better mood and adequate response to the threat.