Friday, October 18, 2024

The 3 F's (Fight, Flight, Freeze) in everyday life

 While we might associate the fight, flight, freeze response with life-or-death situations, these primal instincts often surface in our daily routines, triggered by stressors that are far less dramatic than encountering a predator. Recognising these responses in everyday scenarios can be key to understand our reactions and developing healthier coping mechanism.

  • Fight: This response prepares us to confront the threat head-on. Our heart rate increases, muscles tense, and we become focused on defense or attack. 
  • Flight: When fighting seems futile, our bodies may choose flight. This response prioritizes escape, with our bodies primed for running or hiding.
  • Freeze: Sometimes, neither fight nor flight seems viable. In these situations, we might freeze. This response can manifest as feeling paralyzed or "playing dead."
how these responses might show up in everyday life?

  • Fight: Getting into a heated argument, becoming defensive, or asserting dominance
  • Flight: Avoiding difficult conversations, procrastination, or leaving a stressful situation
  • Freeze: Feeling overwhelmed and unable to act, experiencing "brain fog," or going silent during a confrontation

  • So how can we manage out primal instincts?

    Understanding these responses is the first step in managing them.
    Also we can follow few techniques for a better outcome;
    Mindfulness: Paying attention to our body's signals can help us recognize when these responses are triggered
    Cognitive Reframing: Challenging our negative thoughts and replacing them with more realistic ones can help us re-evaluate the situation.

    It's important to remember that these responses are not always clear-cut. We might experience a combination of fight, flight, and freeze, or even cycle through them rapidly.

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