F I G H T • F L I G H T • F R E E Z E

It is the autonomic nervous system that controls our stress response. As we navigate the micro and macro traumas surrounding us, we must tend to these responses. Our bodies are not meant to live in fight-flight-freeze mode 24/7. It takes practice to efficiently shift from a stress response to recover-rest-digest (the opposing mode). But the more you practice, the more resilient you become.

How do you know what a stress response looks like in you? If you find yourself clenching your jaw = FIGHT, holding your breath = FREEZE, excessively exercising = FLIGHT. Happily, there are activities you can try to help shift out of this mode. Here are some ideas:

FIGHT

Bring your attention to the area(s) of tension and ramp up that tension even more for 5 seconds, let it go, repeat five times. Then, foam roll, take an Epsom salt bath, take deep breaths and meditate.

FREEZE

Inhale for 4, 1-2-3-4, exhale for 6, 1-2-3-4-5-6. Rinse/Repeat. Breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which activates our parasympathetic nervous system. It's is the opposing mode to fight-freeze-fight. It is in this mode that we recover from stressful events and restore

FLIGHT

Grab a pencil and paper. Spend 20 minutes writing a meaningful story of your experience. Organize your accounts with a beginning, middle, and end.