Fight or Flight
The fight or flight response is a physiological reaction to perceived threats, preparing the body to either confront or flee from danger. This concept can be applied to everyday challenges such as deadlines or interpersonal stress, and can be managed through techniques like deep breathing.
THE IDEA
13. Fight or Flight
A tight deadline, an unpleasant interaction, or another stressful event may bring on a “fight or flight” response. Consider three situations in which you experienced that reaction. What helped you handle them?
The situations need not involve a dramatic rescue or confrontation. They might be ordinary moments when you paused, breathed slowly, and chose how to respond.
When to use it
When facing a looming deadline at work, use deep breathing to calm down and focus.
In a conflict with a colleague, recognize your fight-or-flight response and choose to respond rather than react.
Before a high-pressure presentation, practice relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.
During a stressful event, pause and consider whether slowing your breathing helps you regain focus.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Facing a tight deadline at work
Instead of panicking, you take deep breaths and prioritize tasks to meet the deadline.
Dealing with an unpleasant person
Recognizing the fight or flight response, you choose to remain calm and address the situation assertively.
Overcoming fear of public speaking
You use relaxation techniques to manage your anxiety and deliver a successful presentation.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of at least three situations where you were confronted with a fight-or-flight response and how you were able to successfully navigate through it.
Describe a time when you experienced a strong fight or flight reaction and how you managed it.
What techniques can you use to calm your body's stress response in a difficult situation?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)