Learn to Complete The Stress Response Cycle

We live in a world with modern problems, but ancient nervous systems. When we resolve our stressors now a days, our bodies don’t always know the threat is gone. Learn to give your lizard brain what it needs to release your tension and let you get back to enjoying life.

1) Move Your Body

Your body expects you to move away from threats. So even if the “threat” is an email or being annoyed at socks on the floor, again, tell your body you’re safe now by letting it move. Run, swim, dance, skip, jump up and down, anything that helps you breath a little harder.

Aim for at 20-60 mins of movement any day you experience stressors (so, basically all of them).

2) Breathe

Long, focused breaths help your body identify that you aren’t being chased and you are at rest.

Start by emptying your whole chest, then breath in to completely fill your chest and stomach for 5 whole seconds, hold for 5 seconds, and release to completely empty your lungs again, and wait 5 seconds before breathing back in. Repeat for ~5 cycles.

3) Physical Affection: These ones require a consenting partner

Remind your body you are in a loving safe place by connecting with someone safe and trusted physically. Hold on to these just a little longer than you might otherwise, until you feel your body release its tension.

Try a 6 second kiss, or a 20 second hug. If you have the time and inclination, sexual connection can also complete the cycle.

4) Positive Social Interaction

Let your body feel like you’ve escaped and returned to your people by connecting with others.

Call a friend, get a coffee with a co-worker, compliment the barista, comment on the weather today in the elevator, send a meme to your sister who always replies back with a paragraph of text that makes you laugh.

5) Cry

Give yourself the space to let everything out with a good cry. It’s not weak. It’s a built in natural response to being over stimulated and overwhelmed.

If you see a little kid hurt themself or get scared and have a quick cry, they’re right back to playing. No further worrying, just back in action. Because they’ve dealt with their stress and are ready to move on.

You deserve that peace too. Try a cry.

If you want to find out more how stress lives in your body and what to do about it, all of this information and so much more can be found in:

Burnout:The Secret of Unlocking the Stress Response Cycle by Dr. Emily Nagowski, PhD