Why Do Phone Calls Trigger My Fight or Flight?
I used to think I was just being dramatic. You know, the kind of person who gets worked up over nothing. But the truth is, phone calls can actually trigger a fight or flight response in me – and it's not because I'm being extra.
As it turns out, our brains are wired to respond to threats as if our lives depended on it. And let's be real, phone calls can feel like a threat to our sense of control and security. When someone calls us, we're forced to drop everything and attend to the conversation – whether we want to or not.
So what happens when this "threat" (i.e., the phone call) triggers my fight or flight response? Well, for starters, I feel a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. My heart starts racing, my palms get sweaty, and I'm suddenly overcome with a sense of panic.
It's like my brain is screaming at me to either "fight" the situation (i.e., try to control it) or "flee" from it (i.e., avoid it altogether). And let me tell you, neither option sounds particularly appealing when I'm in the midst of a panic attack.
But here's the thing: our fight or flight response is designed to help us survive. It's meant to give us the energy and focus we need to respond to threats – whether they're real or perceived. So, even though phone calls might seem like a trivial threat in the grand scheme of things, my brain is still responding as if it's life or death.
So what can I do about it? Well, for starters, I've learned to recognize when my fight or flight response is triggered. And once I realize that, I can take steps to calm myself down and reset my response.
5 Ways to Reset Your Fight or Flight Response
- Breathe Deeply**: When we're feeling panicked, our breathing tends to get shallow and rapid. But by taking slow, deep breaths, I can calm myself down and reset my response.
- Practice Mindfulness**: Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment – without judgment or distraction. By focusing on my thoughts and emotions, I can better manage my fight or flight response.
- Use Positive Self-Talk**: When we're feeling panicked, it's easy to get caught up in negative self-talk. But by using positive affirmations, I can counteract those negative thoughts and calm myself down.
- Take a Step Back**: Sometimes, the best thing to do is take a step back from the situation and assess what's really going on. By giving myself some space and time to think, I can better manage my fight or flight response.
- Practice Grounding Techniques**: Grounding techniques are designed to help you focus on your physical body and surroundings – rather than getting caught up in thoughts and emotions. By practicing grounding techniques (e.g., paying attention to the sensation of your feet on the ground), I can better manage my fight or flight response.
So, there you have it! Phone calls might trigger a fight or flight response in me – but with the right strategies, I can learn to manage those feelings and respond in a more mindful way. And who knows? Maybe one day, phone calls will no longer be a source of stress for me.
Until then, I'll just keep on breathing – and trying to stay present in the moment.