We’re all familiar with the “fight or flight” response to an overwhelming situation — but now experts are suggesting there’s a third stress response called the “freeze mode.”
Dr. Carmen Harra, American author of Committed: Finding Love and Loyalty Through the Seven Archetypes, explained how the modern world makes it almost impossible to avoid stress.
But the psychologist said “stress now goes beyond our ‘fight or flight’ mechanism, the automatic response to a perceived threat.”
“It can cause us to go into so-called freeze mode, a state where we find it almost impossible to take any action,” she told FEMAIL. ‘Think of a deer in headlights: the animal senses approaching danger, but remains rooted to the ground.
“In everyday life, freeze mode can translate into avoiding tasks because they seem overwhelming, unable to make decisions, and experiencing an overall sense of dread.
We’re all familiar with the “fight or flight” response to an overwhelming situation – but now experts suggest there’s a third stress response, the “freeze mode” (stock photo)
“Even small actions, such as not wanting to participate in social activities, feeling a sense of heaviness in certain parts of the body, and discovering that we can’t stop scrolling social media, can indicate freeze mode.”
Below are five ways to get out of freeze mode and hopefully reduce stress once and for all, according to the expert.
REALIZE WHAT YOU DO AND DO NOT CONTROL
Dr. Carmen said, “Put things in perspective. A big part of managing stress involves realizing what you can and cannot control.
“Stress robs you of your personal power and the influence you have over your circumstances. If there’s nothing you can realistically do to fix something or improve its outcome, then there’s no point in worrying about it.
“Put it out of your mind and put your energy into better things. Elevating your perspective gives you the wisdom of detachment so that you let go of situations that hold you back.
“One of the keys to detachment is to train your brain to think less and less about aspects that cause you stress.
“If you find yourself creating hurtful or detrimental stories in your head, stop and refocus. Doing this will help you achieve a healthy emotional flow in time.
“If you shift your focus, you can shift the outcome. And the less you worry, the more likely it will be resolved.
DO NOT OBESE ON THE PAST OR THE FUTURE
“Keep past, present and future in order,” said the psychologist. “Putting past, present, and future in the right place can help you reduce fear of what’s to come and appreciate what’s here now.
‘Living outside of time disempowers you, while living in the now empowers you.
“When you let go of unrealistic expectations, you begin to live in the present and make the best of the situation you are currently facing. You utilize the full might of your power and resources within your reach.
“If you find your mind wandering to what could have been or what could have been, stop it and return to the present.
‘Center yourself by taking a few deep breaths and becoming aware of your surroundings: what do you smell, feel, hear, taste and see?
‘Note the date and time – you exist here and now. Developing a healthy relationship with the notion of time discourages you,” the expert insisted.
Dr. Carmen Harra, American author of Committed: Finding Love and Loyalty Through the Seven Archetypes, explained how the modern world makes it almost impossible to avoid stress (stock photo)
SPEND TIME DOING WHAT YOU WANT TO DO – NOT JUST WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Dr. Carmen discussed how spending “sacred time” can improve one’s response to stress.
“Instead of worrying endlessly about something, engage in a more productive activity: move your body, buy yourself a treat, cook yourself dinner, mingle with new people, learn a new art, and so on.” suggested the expert.
She continued, “At least a few times a week, walk outside alone and take in the scenery around you.
‘Practicing your favorite hobby engages mind and body in a pleasurable activity. Start with a craft that you love and that requires your attention.
“Do one thing that diverts your attention and fulfills you every day. It’s just as valuable to spend time and effort on the things you want to do, not just the things you need to do.”
REMEMBER YOUR ROUTINE
Dr. Carmen suggested that a change in one’s routine could help “just a little bit” to reduce stress.
The expert said: ‘If your routine causes stress, think about how you can avoid certain situations or encounters.
For example, she explained, “Clear your environment and energy field, free yourself from toxic people and harmful habits. Give yourself a break and reduce the number of activities you have to do each day.
‘If you see that you have extra time, you can add more tasks. Prioritizing your activities from most to least important will help you stay organized.
“Be more realistic with your time: don’t cram or think you can do everything in an hour. Things usually take longer than planned, so give yourself some extra space.
‘Practice the principle of quality over quantity; you don’t have to get everything done in one day. Rather, concentrate on doing it the right way.”