A Little Brain Science (NWL 2021-VBL)

aka when our limbic brain takes over

Our brains react to stress in only one way – prepping us to get more physical exertion is the goal. But so many of our stresses are not bears chasing us – yet our brains think it is.

How do we stop the negative domino effect? If I respond to stress is to ramp up the stress, more negative thoughts and more negative feelings, I’m throttling my own energy! If we can stop the domino after the first one (saying I’m having a terrible day – my alarm didn’t go off, then I forgot my coffee mug, then I missed the train…’ and by the time I get to work I’m WAITING for the next thing to notice and complain about, you bet I’m going to have a crap day.

What if instead I reset my thinking when I got to the office. Used my PFC to stop the negative thoughts and rationally think through it’s a new day, I’m at work now, everything is going to be good. Take a deep breath and start over. Can I interrupt the negativity? Yes. Is it difficult to do? In the beginnging, like anyhthing new, yes, you have to build the muscle.

Location: A Little Brain Science (NWL 2021-VBL) » A Little Brain Science (NWL 2021-VBL) »

aka when our limbic brain takes over
Our brains react to stress in only one way – prepping us to get more physical exertion is the goal. But so many of our stresses are not bears chasing us – yet our brains think it is.
How do we stop the negative domino effect? If I respond to stress is to ramp up the stress, more negative thoughts and more negative feelings, I’m throttling my own energy! If we can stop the domino after the first one (saying I’m having a terrible day – my alarm didn’t go off, then I forgot my coffee mug, then I missed the train…’ and by the time I get to work I’m WAITING for the next thing to notice and complain about, you bet I’m going to have a crap day.
What if instead I reset my thinking when I got to the office. Used my PFC to stop the negative thoughts and rationally think through it’s a new day, I’m at work now, everything is going to be good. Take a deep breath and start over. Can I interrupt the negativity? Yes. Is it difficult to do? In the beginnging, like anyhthing new, yes, you have to build the muscle.