You’re sitting quietly at your desk, when your boss walks to share something unpleasant….or you just had an argument with a loved one and they end the conversation by saying something mean and walking out the door…
What do you do? You’re about to or have already gone into fight, flight or freeze mode. How do you help manage your lizard brain as it signals a release of cortisone and adrenalize into your system? While there is no saber tooth tiger to run from, our lizard brain is reacting like that stressful phone call is the tiger and we are in danger.
Deepak Chopra recommends using the acronym STOP in order to keep our reptilian brain in control when we feel stressed.
STOP and SMILE everywhere in your body
TAKE three deep breaths
OBSERVE the sensations in your body and images in your mind
PROCEED with compassion, kindness, and love
So the next time you feel triggered, take a moment, stop, smile, breathe, observe and practice compassion.
I would love to hear how things are going for you and how practicing STOP has helped you. Feel free to send me an email and share your experience.