The Four Reactions. Why your reactions can be PREDICTABLE

Thoughtful Thursday No.29

The Four Reactions. Why your reactions can be PREDICTABLE

FIGHT:    Facing any perceived threat aggressively.

•          Aggressive

•          Confrontational

•          Difficulty seeing other perspectives

•          High energy

Flight:     Running away from danger.

•          Panic

•          Anxiety

•          Avoidance

•          Procrastination

Freeze:   Unable to move or act against a threat.

•          Numb

•          Helpless

•          Shut down

•          Disassociate

FAWN:   Immediately acting to try to please to avoid any conflict.

•          Saying sorry too much.

•          Flattery

•          People pleasing

•          Appeasing

Knowing these reactions and how they can show up can help you better navigate a challenging situation.

If you can be more aware of your emotions, you can take the necessary steps to calm your body and your mind, speak clearly and communicate better.

How you might feel:

•          Your heart beating faster

•          Feeling sick in your stomach.

•          Your breath is quick and shallow

•          Tense muscles

•          Racing mind

Try the following:

•          Take a moment to breathe.

•          Use your words to express what you are feeling.

•          Listen with the intent to understand.

•          Remember you are not under attack.

Facing a reaction

•          Stay calm and don’t react back

•          Listen empathically

•          Aim to understand

•          Do not discount the other person’s feelings

• Choose to not engage now but come back to them

Having read this you will be more aware and better able to notice and manage your reactions.

It is about making the unconscious, conscious