At times our brain can be our worst enemy. The primitive part of our brain hasn't quite caught up with the modern world we live in and this can cause us problems. You many have heard the term Fight or Flight, but what does it mean?
So when we feel at risk our brain reacts by getting our body ready for action to ensure our survival. In primitive humans this was vital as split second decisions could mean the difference between life and death. The appearance of a dangerous wild animal would need immediate action. However, in our modern world the only place we are likely to encounter a wild animal is either in a zoo or at a safe distance. The problem arises, in that, our brain doesn't know the difference between an actual threat or a percieved threat. So when we feel endangered emotionally, rather than physically, the same hormones rush through our body to help us act and the responses are not always useful. Luckily for us we also have a part of our brain that is much more logical and thinking which we can engage to judge our actions and chose what is right for us.
FIGHT: This response does what is says. It gets us ready to fight the threat. So an emotional threat may be met with anger or even violence.
FLIGHT: Again, self explanitory. It makes us run away. This can be a physical departure from the situation or an internal withdrawal.
Two other instincts which are often less dicussed are Freeze and Fawn.
FREEZE: We can not act, move, or think. This response can be seen in the most harmless of wild animals. For example the deer that freezes when it spots you. The survival instinct here is 'if I don't move you wont see me'.
FAWN: Often the least explored of these survival instincts. Again it can be seen in many animals. Monkeys groom the dominant group leader to remain in their good books. In humans it can be see in various forms, including easily giving in to others needs, avoiding conflict, and being submissive.
So next time you sense your brain triggering one of these survival insticts, just question:
'Does my primitive, reactive brain serve me well in this situation OR can my more modern thinking brain serve me better?'.
#ANXIETY#FIGHTORFLIGHT
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